State DOT to speak at GPICA Dec. 4
Construction on the new Matlacha bridge is over but road construction on Pine Island Road is slated to begin in January, 2013. How will the widening of Pine Island Road from Burnt Store to Chiquita affect businesses, tourism and the general public already weary of lane closings and construction noise. If you work off-island or have medical appointments or shop and eat in Cape Coral/Fort Myers you may be inconvenienced during this multi- year project. Five medians are expected to be installed along this two-mile stretch of road and will require drivers to make U-turns to reach businesses and restaurants.
At our Tuesday, Dec. 4, meeting at 7 p.m., Greater Pine Island Civic Association(GPICA) will host Florida DOT representative Kevin Ingle who will discuss the widening of Pine Island Road (S.R. 78). Some delays and lane closings are expected. Questions will be allowed following the presentation.
When completed, will the road expansion increase business and improve hurricane evacuation for islanders as stated. Will new stop lights be installed. When will the future widening of Burnt Store Road, the next project, begin and end. Wal-Mart is expected to build in this area when construction ends; will that construction affect traffic. What about water and sewer lines. Greater Pine Island Water Association (GPIWA) supplies water to parts of Cape Coral. Will this road work affect our water lines and if Cape Coral expands their lines into this area will our water bills increase to make up for the loss of ratepayers. Many wood storks and herons feed in the road-side ditches; how will wildlife be affected.
Civic association meetings are always free and open to the public. December attendees will enjoy some Christmas refreshments and a surprise raffle to celebrate the Holiday season. Join us Tuesday, Dec. 4, 7 p.m. at the Elks building, 5630 Pine Island Rd., Bokeelia 33922 which is between the D & G Hardware strip mall at the four corners on Stringfellow Rd. and the firehouse on Pine Island Rd West. Easy to find. Parking in the front of the building.
Please support your local civic association as we strive to provide you a forum for communicating local issues and concerns to and from our local government. Contact Roger Wood, President at 920-421-3984 for further information.