FORT MYERS, Fla -- A Fort Myers community is expected to show up in numbers at Tuesday’s Lee County Commission meeting. They plan to voice concerns over a proposed new gatehouse, which they feel will become a safety concern.
The proposal would add a Fiddlesticks Gatehouse at the end of Briarcliff Road.
There’s an online petition that more than 2,000 people have signed, arguing against it being built. Neighbors have pointed to reasons such as the lack of sidewalks and lighting and the fact that more traffic will make the road more dangerous.
Just three days ago, the petition had only 600 signatures, so support is growing quickly. The organizers are encouraging the community to show up to the county commission meeting to voice those concerns.
Their concern has to do with the size of Fiddlesticks and how much extra traffic this would bring. There are just under 700 residences there. In addition to their fears of an overcrowded two-lane road, many are worried home values might drop.
That petition is also filled with comments. One couple who lives there said this in part:
"Allowing more traffic on this small road which can barely accommodate residents, lawn & maintenance vehicles and children on their bikes or driving golf carts is a recipe for disaster."
Many also mentioned safety concerns more traffic will bring for the children who have to walk to their bus stops, especially considering the lack of sidewalks and street lighting.
