by SC Reporter Emilie Alfino
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee submitted its recommendations for enhancements to the Shared Use Path to the Sanibel City Council. The committee had previously presented recommendations for extensions to the paths.
Mayor Mike Miller expressed his opinion that the SUP enhancements are primarily focused on safety issues and should be implemented before any path extensions are done. “I would move on these right away,” he said.
“I agree about safety,” said Council member Laura DeBruce, “but I think we need to grow and expand our paths and need some extensions. And some of the extensions would also improve safety.”
DeBruce specifically mentioned the path at East Gulf and Nerita streets, where, she said, “Something has to be done.”
“I think safety has to trump everything,” said Council member Richard Johnson. “Why not look at the two lists collectively for just the safety issues?” Vice Mayor Holly Smith suggested a three-way stop at Rabbit Road as an example.
The three enhancements that came out on top are:
Rabbit Road stop sign
East Gulf and Nerita
Casa Ybel and Periwinkle
Another suggestion was to make the crosswalks more visible, which would be a minor modification for intersection safety that could be implemented at a moderate or minimal cost.
To improve safety and ability for anyone that lives in The Dunes, Gumbo Limbo Dixie beach area all the way upeast side of Periwinkle to Dunlap would be a huge improvement to those residents and visitors safety and ability.