Councilman offers thoughts on Beach issues
Here are some random thoughts to pass along:
– Three lanes of traffic with alternating lanes could work if you get the to lanes to about Junkanoo. Most traffic should have peeled off by then. For those who think it is an emergency lane, what about Bonita Beach road. If it is going to be an emergency lane, let the fire department pony up for one-third of the Estero Boulevard project.
– Think ahead to the future and build a town hall at Bay Oaks.
– This is a beach town, and there is going to be traffic during season. Work around it. Would be nice to have a bike lane and sidewalk.
– Lee County gave us Bay Oaks and the million dollar budget, why don’t they give us Lynn Hall Park with the half million dollar revenue from parking? Seems like a fair trade.
– For those out there that want pedestrian walkovers and other changes to Estero Boulevard, let me remind you that the bridge is state owned and Estero Boulevard is COUNTY owned. Got that, COUNTY owned. Not owned by the Town of Fort Myers Beach.
– Move the crosswalk at Crescent Street to the south side of the intersection so that when pedestrians are crossing, southbound traffic can turn left onto Crescent.
– This is a beach town, and there is going to be traffic during season. Work around it. Would be nice to have a bike lane and sidewalk.
– Crosswalks. Should be one at each beach access.
– Drivers: For those who have yelled at me that I am not a pedestrian at a crosswalk because I am on my bike, you are a knucklehead. For the drivers that are on their cellphones and blow through the crosswalk, I see it everyday, you are dangerous.
– Pedestrians: When a driver stops for you, show a little sense of urgency to get to the other side. A courtesy nod or wave is greatly appreciated.
– Center turn lanes. When a driver is courteous enough to let you into incoming traffic, please proceed immediately to the center lane. Than wait there for a chance to merge into traffic. Do not pull out in front of the one that let you in, only to hold them up because you did not go immediately to the center turn lane. You do not have to all three lanes to be clear before making a turn across the center lane. If the first lane is open, pull into the middle lane immediately and then merge into traffic.
– Beach access. I am so excited that CRAB (Community Resources Advisory Board) is looking into redesigning the beach accesses. Shade, water, benches, cool. I am always amazed at the amount of trash so close to the trash bins. Especially cigarette butts. Hopefully MRTF (Marine Resources Task Force) will advance the Adopt -A-Beach program where we can all help educate our beachgoers.
– Recycling. It has been successful on the beach. Thank you Public Works for all you do for this Town.
– By the way, the town has a budget of $5 million and the Fort Myers Beach Fire Department has a budget of $14 million.
– This is a beach town, and there is going to be traffic during season. Work around it. Would be nice to have a bike lane and sidewalk.
– This is a great town. Let’s keep it funky but clean up some of the lines.
(ITALICS) Dan Andre is a councilman for the Town of Fort Myers Beach.