FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Elly McKuen, Lee County Economic Development Office
              (941) 338-3161

FORT MYERS, Fla. (March 29, 2001) – According to the Lee County Smart Growth Task Force, building consensus among diverse individuals and groups throughout the community is essential in the effort to effectively manage growth in Lee County. The task force’s goal is to encourage representatives from throughout the community to communicate about growth issues.

"Everyone seems to recognize the challenges growth presents to us as a community, but we must work in a collaborative, positive way to find out what should be done about it," says Dennis Gilkey, co-chair of the task force. "We want to bring together everyone in the community, from environmental groups and home owners to developers and planning professionals, in a common effort to find options that everyone can live with."

The task force includes five working groups, open to everyone in the community, which will work to define issues and solutions concerning five areas:land use, water supply, environment, transportation and community character. The Conflict Resolution Institute at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) will facilitate the process to promote collaboration, inclusiveness and proactive results at each meeting.

"The facilitators will be there to ensure everyone’s viewpoint is considered," says Camillo Azcarate, director of conflict resolution at FGCU. "No one should shy away from this opportunity to share their perspective and hopes for the future. Everyone who participates will make an impact."

The goal of the working groups is to find solutions that benefit all participants by exploring their interests and needs. The groups will make recommendations about issues whenever consensus is possible and record the different alternatives when consensus is not attained. However, the ultimate goal of the working groups is to build consensus and develop clear, concise, formal recommendations for win-win solutions.

"The working groups give people an opportunity to educate each other," says Bill Hammond, co-chair of the task force. "If you step up to the plate and get involved, your interests and needs as stakeholders in the community will be heard, and you’ll build constructive relationships with others who could otherwise be seen as adversaries."

In addition to working group meetings, the task force will hold community meetings throughout the area during the months of April and May. These meetings will be held at various locations throughout the county and are open to all citizens who wish to express interests and needs specific to their area. Recognizing the unique needs of various geographic and demographic areas, the task force will use the information gathered in these meetings to identify issues, opportunities, and solutions.

The following schedule for community meetings is listed according to the area represented (All meetings will take place at 7 p.m.):

For more information on Smart Growth or to find out how you can participate, please visit www.smartgrowthlee.com or contact Elly Soto McKuen at (941) 338-3161 or mckuenes@leegov.com.