Fort Myers, Florida — Blackstone Drive is set to have a sidewalk in its future, although the project won’t commence anytime soon.
Situated on the border of Lehigh Acres and Fort Myers, Blackstone Drive is home to many residents, including Mike Perez, who describes the road as “busy.”
“They treat this road like a speedway, racing down at 50, 60 miles per hour. There are a lot of kids playing out here,” Perez shared with FOX 4.
Recently, the Lee County Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee granted approval for a sidewalk on this street.
Committee member Derek Felder spearheaded the proposal, emphasizing the narrowness of roads around Lehigh, making it challenging for two-way traffic.
“We are reviewing and selecting roads that require sidewalks and evaluating how their installation could positively impact various neighborhoods,” Felder explained.
Among the approximately 140 roads identified for potential sidewalks, nearly 35% are in Lehigh Acres. Felder stresses the importance of ensuring that Lehigh roads receive the same attention as those elsewhere in the county.
“Sidewalks should not be seen as a luxury item,” Felder asserted.
Perez’s neighbor, Dustin Deaver, who has two young boys, believes the sidewalk will enhance safety and accessibility.
“It would benefit the children in the community. Additionally, there’s a sidewalk on State Road 82 that would provide us with access to and from,” Deaver remarked.
However, while Perez supports the sidewalk initiative, he does raise a concern regarding residents’ mailboxes.
“What will happen to people’s mailboxes? Will they cover the cost of reinstalling them, or is that the responsibility of homeowners?” Perez queried.
The committee anticipates that it may take up to five years before Blackstone Drive sees the realization of the proposed sidewalk.
