Re: Multi-Use Path from Veterans to Stringfellow
To the editor:
On Tuesday, June 14, several community leaders attended a meeting with Commis-sioner Manning to enlist his support for a multi-use path from Veterans/Burnt Store Road, through Matlacha, Little Pine Island and connecting with the path on Stringfellow Road.
In attendance were John Cammick, fire commissioner; Michael Shevlin, Realtor, who was also involved in the original path on Stringfellow; Benjamin Mickuleit, Deputy Fire Chief for Pine Island Matlacha District; and me, a 5-year BPAC Committee Member representing District 1. In absentia, Jennifer Jennings, executive director of the Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce. The project has also received the support of various civic associations.
Government officials in attendance were Honorable Commissioner John Manning District 1; Dave Loveland, Director of Community Development; Randy Cerchie, Director of LDOT; Doug Meurer, Assistant County Manager; Andy Getch, Planning Manager LDOT; and Ron Gogoi, Transportation Planning Administrator Lee MPO.
Concerns included safety, funding of the project, construction cost Increase, project postponement and drainage grates on Matlacha (due to possible safety hazard).
The Florida Department of Transpor-tation Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study could address the proposed improvements to develop the shared use pathway.
The MPO Board voted in support of this multi-use path project.
Conclusion: Commissioner Manning requested that his office remain the point of contact for project updates and concerns. Lee County staff and the Lee County MPO staff will continue to focus on the project and await the outcome of the study by FDOT.
The meeting was a resounding success.
On behalf of all of us who attended and have been working towards seeing his project a reality, we thank Commissioner Manning for his support of this important improvement to our islands, Mike Shevlin, John Cammick , Benjamin Mickluleit, Jennifer Jennings and the various civic associations and individuals for all your support and efforts.
Ileana Sisson, MS PhD