Enough already
To the editor:
So, the Lee County Commissioners want to change the Pine Island Plan and allow developers to build lot’s more houses on the island. I don’t agree with this decision, but if this, indeed, is the direction we are now heading, then Pine Island residents should demand that two developments occur prior to, or along with, expanded housing growth.
1.Construction of modern sanitary sewers and treatment facilities to serve the entire island. We cannot in ever increasing numbers keep dumping sewage into the sand and expect no ill effects. There are locations on the island where raw sewage bubbles to the surface during heavy rain events. Think there might be a link between archaic sewage treatment and coastal algae blooms? In my opinion, not all the nutrients are coming from the cane fields of eastern Florida, or ride with the wind blown sands from the Sahara. Let’s get responsible. The 1950s are over. When developers plot their land and put in roads they should also have to install sewer lines before the first lot is sold. Existing households will bear a financial burden as well.
2. A second way on and off the island is needed. Yes, I’m saying a new road with no lift bridges. How about extending Veterans over to Stringfellow in the vicinity of Pine Island Cove? Pick a point on Veterans a couple of miles south of Publix intersection and head the road right to Stringfellow. Traffic through Matlacha is a mess. Let’s turn Matlacha back to a sleepy, artsy/craftsy village it deserves to be. Does anyone remember why the new Matlacha bridge was built? It accomplished nothing. And how about those new crosswalks? Pedestrians used to have to wait on the cars, now the cars have to wait on the people. Safer but slower than ever.
Change is coming. Let’s meet it head on.
Bob Burkett
Bokeelia