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Ramp plan makes no sense

By Staff | Apr 22, 2009

To the Editor:

I cannot comprehend Lee County’s plan to double the number of boat ramps at the Bokeelia boat ramp while halving the available parking. This simply does not make sense considering the existing single ramp is adequate for the existing parking. If the ramp is enlarged, obviously the parking area needs to be enlarged. It is the existing parking area that is not adequate. I was at the ramp last Thursday and every parking space but two was filled. On weekends, many boaters are turned away for lack of parking.

As to building new restrooms, there is nothing wrong with the existing restrooms. And, as long as the restrooms are on land and people are on their boats, you are not going to solve the problem of men behaving badly. What is lacking are signs indicating the location of the restrooms.

If the county wants to increase the capacity of the ramp, it must increase the parking. There is no other choice. However, in these economic times, the county could choose a less expensive alternative. It could merely repair the existing ramp and keep the existing parking. Repairs to the existing ramp would consist of extending the end, adjusting the angle and adding ripples to the concrete to allow better traction for vehicles. This could be done much cheaper, including signs for the restrooms, and not involve a complete summer six-month closure as is now planned.

I ask the county to please give this consideration as the proposed plan is totally unacceptable and in no way addresses the needs of the community. The county has spent nearly $20,000,000, including the Fisherman’s Co-op, for public water access on Pine Island and what we are faced with is one ramp with limited parking that can only be used on weekends and the other one with fewer than 28 parking spaces.

It reminds me of the dreaded old saying: “I’m from the government and I’m here to help.”

Sincerely,

Dorothy Tanner

St. James City