Estero Parkway design alternatives
Representatives from Agnoli, Barber & Brundage, Inc. gave a presentation on Estero Parkway design alternatives looking at two potential options:
1) A 4-lane roadway with 10.5 ft. lanes, 7-ft. bike lanes and 6-ft. sidewalks on both sides.
2) 2-lane, 12-ft. lanes roadway, from the railroad to Cypress View, 7 ft. bike lanes, 8 – 10 ft. sidewalks on both sides, with three roundabouts. This option would cost approximately $1 to $1.5 million more than the first option.
The presenters focused primarily on the second option as option one had been previously discussed.
All agreed safety is the number one issue while enhancing the pedestrian experience, improved bikeways, beautification of the corridor, cost, timing of construction, stormwater improvements, and roadway capacity. (Presentation)
There were a large number of Estero Parkway residents present. 15 residents spoke during Public Comment, with most speaking against the option for roundabouts.
No voting takes place during Council workshops. Voting on the Estero Parkway design will take place at a future date, possibly June 6.
Impact Fees
Community Development Director Mary Gibbs gave an update on impact fees, recent County studies, implications for the Village and options for future action.
Impact fees are a means to offset the costs of new growth. These fees can be used for capital costs such as building new roads, parks, schools and fire stations. These fees cannot be used for operation and maintenance expenses.
The school impact fees are adopted by the Lee County Commission for all municipalities. The Commission’s new 45% collection rate will apply in the Village, effective June 4. Staff will update its fee schedule in order to collect the correct amount of money when building permits are issued.
Additional actions will need to be taken regarding Parks, Fire and EMS, and Roads. (Presentation)
Public Comment: 2 residents spoke regarding the value of impact fees to the Village.
No voting occurs during Council workshops.
Additional details are available in the minutes of this meeting. Residents may also view the archived meeting by going to the Village website http://estero-fl.gov/council/watch-meetings-online/.
The next Council meeting will be held at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, June 6, 2018.