SANIBEL’S PROPOSED PERIWINKLE
BYPASS PATH
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The Problem
- The shared use path from the Sanibel Steakhouse to Casa
Ybel has 18 commercial driveways, and is probably the most dangerous section
on the Island.
- Almost half of Sanibel’s reported accidents involving
path users over the last five years have occurred on this section of the path
system.
- Safety concerns are growing as traffic along Periwinkle,
and usage of the paths grows.
- The current situation poses a serious danger for
Sanibel’s path users and drivers, and exposes the city to potential liability
and litigation costs, which will be borne by the taxpayers.
The City’s Proposed Solution
- The City studied this problem for several years and
considered options for addressing the safety concerns, taking into account
environmental considerations, right of way ownership, cost, and feasibility.
- The City then developed the design for a half-mile
alternative path that parallels Periwinkle along the Sanibel River behind the
businesses on that section of Periwinkle.
- The City’s current plan is to retain the existing
Periwinkle path, but to direct the majority of path traffic onto the new
alternative path through proper signage and public education.
- Once the City obtains the easements, the City has
indicated its plan to apply for grant funds to help defray construction costs
for this path. Without possession of the rights of way, the City is not
eligible to apply for grant funds.
Benefits of the Periwinkle
“Bypass Path”
- A safer alternative path for path users… cyclists,
walkers, skaters… and drivers entering businesses from Periwinkle
- Encourages increased use of the path system as a safe
and attractive alternative means of transportation... for work, errands, and
recreation
- Enhances the “sanctuary experience” for all users by
running alongside the Sanibel river
- Benefits the 11 businesses along this section of
Periwinkle by providing safer access for cars, and additional, alternate
access for path users
Sanibel
Bicycle Club: 2/8/06
Why We’re Concerned
- Over the last 10 years, the proposed Bypass has been
studied and debated.
- Plans have been developed, approved by City departments
and funded. Yet, we are again debating it.
- A little bit of history….
o
In 2003 the City finalized plans which were reviewed and approved
by all departments… including Natural Resources
o
The “Periwinkle Bypass” was the #1 recommendation in the City’s
Shared Use Master Plan reflecting input from the Parks & Rec Committee, the
Planning Commission, the City Administration, and the Sanibel Bicycle Club
o
Twice in 2003 (August & September), the Council voted to instruct
the City to proceed with the acquisition of these easements by all means…
including eminent domain.
o
The City completed appraisals in 2003 and began negotiations with
property owners in early 2004. Hurricane Charlie delayed the project.
o
In August 2005, the new Council instructed the City Attorney to
update the appraisals for those properties and come back to the Council. No
action occurred in 2005.
o
The updated appraisals are now due to the City by the end of
February 2006, and the issue could be back before Council for action in March
2006. To proceed, the Council will need to again adopt a resolution (similar to
the 2003 resolution) authorizing the City Attorney to use “all means necessary”
to obtain the easements.
o
The City’s budgets for the past three years have contained funding
for the bypass path, but have not been expended for this purpose:
·
The City’s 2004 Budget included funding ($120k) for the
acquisition of the easements. The 5 year Capital Improvement Plan budgeted
$230k of construction of the path in 2006.
·
The City’s 2005 Budget retained funding for easements and
construction. No action occurred.
·
The 2006 budget approved by Council in September 2005, contained
$150,000 for the acquisition of those easements, and the 2007 out year Capital
Improvement Plan contained $300,000 for construction of the path. To date, none
of these funds have been expended.
Sanibel Bicycle Club: 2/8/06