Aug 26, 2005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WHAT:  Laurel Drive (NFM) Sidewalk Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

WHEN: Monday, August 29, 2005 at 1 p.m.

WHERE:  AMVETS Post 50, 2705 Garden Street (near intersection of Garden Street and Laurel Drive in North Fort Myers)

MASTER OF CEREMONIES:  Lee County Commissioner Tammy Hall

OTHER:  Commissioner Hall will be joined by other Commissioners, School District officials, and representatives of the Suncoast Task Force and Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee

BACKGROUND:

The Lee County Board of County Commissioners, the School District of Lee County, the Suncoast Task Force, the Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee and the residents on Laurel Drive joined forces and worked cooperatively and the result is a new and much needed sidewalk in North Fort Myers.

The Laurel Drive sidewalk, Lee County's newest sidewalk, is 1.15 miles long.  It runs along the south side of the street from Business U.S. 41 to Winona Drive and crosses over to the north side of Laurel Drive and goes all the way to Laurel Lane.  Pedestrian safety was the driving force in completing this project.

This new addition will provide the community and school children in the area with a safe place to walk and ride their bikes. School children in the Suncoast area of North Fort Myers use Laurel Drive to get to school.
 
The residents of the Laurel Drive area have worked long and hard to see this project come to fruition.  They attended informational meetings by county staff.  Property owners on Laurel Drive donated the right of way to Lee County making this project possible.  Significant recognition goes to two organizations who made this project a top priority... The Suncoast Task Force (STF) and the Lee County Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC).   These groups served as the neighborhood's spokesmen by continually communicating with the Lee County Board of County Commissioners and insisting that this project become a reality as soon as possible.

Lee County Department of Transportation (DOT) oversaw the five foot wide sidewalk project that cost $860,668.  Because of the large drainage ditches and limited right of way along Laurel Drive, DOT piped the existing ditches in these areas and placed a sidewalk above them.  Lee County Department of Utilities also contributed to the project.  The Department adjusted the elevation of an existing  8" water main along Laurel Drive at various locations to accommodate the new drainage piping and structures.  Additionally, the staff replaced and relocated some of the road's fire hydrants. Funds for this project came from impact fees and gas tax money.

Last but not least, there is a group of individuals who deserve special recognition in helping to get this project completed... the students at the North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts.  The students in Mr. Loughren's Leadership Class, after one of their peers was hit by a car on Laurel Drive, undertook the project of addressing vehicular traffic and the 'lack of a sidewalk' problem.  The students contacted area elected officials and submitted letters to the editorial page of local newspapers.

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