Recommendations for solving traffic problems on Estero
To the editor:
As a first-time visitor to Fort Myers Beach I am very impressed with everything except the traffic situation. I have been told that the traffic challenges have been and are an ongoing challenge but no significant solutions are possible.
From my perspective the terrible traffic situation is not a problem but an opportunity for “CREATIVE THINKING”.
On the weekend of the fabulous “SPRIMP FESTIVAL,” it took one hour to get to Town Center on the Trolley and a wait of two hours to just get on one to return to Bay Beach Road on the south end. A check with Lee Tran relative to why they only had three trolleys available on Estero that weekend led to learning that limited local and county funds was the main cause and that the issue has been looked at for years.
It would be my recommendation that a “SPECIAL CREATIVE THINK TANK COMMITTEE” made up of the Beach Mayor, Town Manager, LeeTran CEO, Lee County representative and three citizens recognized as outstanding leaders be established. Their purpose would be to come up with a definitive plan of action through getting community input on solutions and funding.
Some possible ideas to consider would be:
– On special event days charge more than the 50 cents to help pay to put more trolleys on Estero.
– Look at establishing a “BOAT TAXI” system with three strategically located piers where people would be picked up and left off.
– Build a citizen’s walkway over-pass at the Town Center bottle neck.
– Develop more pull off spots for the trolleys to pick up people.
– Etc. Etc.
The big question will be money! Private donations should be sought. Untold dollars are being wasted everyday with cars sitting in long lines of traffic and burning expensive gas. A lot of people who own property on the Island can afford to contribute toward solving the matter.
Creative traffic solutions will make Fort Myers Beach an even better and more enjoyable place to vacation.
Roger w. Toogood
Roseville, Minn.