Help shape Fort Myers through online survey

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK)—The city of Fort Myers is asking the public to help shape the future of downtown streets.

The city, the Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization and their partners are studying improvements along First Street and Second Street/Seaboard Street from Fowler Street to the intersection of First Street and Seaboard Street. Following the 2023 two-way conversion, the city said it was exploring long-term changes to make the corridor safer and more accessible for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and transit users.

From year-round residents to visitors who had only been there a few times, people told WINK News they loved the buildings and character on First Street and Second Street, but they also raised concerns about traffic and parking.

“I think it’s really fun. I always brag to all my friends that I live downtown because it’s just so nice to be able to walk to all the bars. I feel very safe,” said Kaylee Cole.

“The historic value of it, the quaintness of it. Very, very nice to come down and visit,” Kim Wentling said.

Several people said they wanted the roads to feel quieter so walking downtown would be easier. People also told WINK News they found parking confusing because of the different stalls and pricing.

“I would love to see the roads a little quieter. I think when people have the chance to walk around and feel safe doing so, they’re more likely to walk into stores or, in general, spend more time outside. It’s not fun dodging cars,” one visitor said.

During large events and popular times of the year, parking was a big frustration for drivers. Some people suggested remote parking, year-round trolleys or buses, and better public transportation without changing downtown’s footprint.

“Perhaps remote parking with maybe a bus service to the downtown area then. But not to see anything knocked down for a parking lot for sure,” Wentling said.

“I’ve been to a lot of other cities, like New York, Boston, stuff like that, and they have great public transportation, like buses, even the Uber situation, I feel like it’d be a little bit better,” Oscar Cruz said.

People also said they wanted green spots for pets and more places to rest in the heat. Shade came up as a concern, especially in summer for people who walk to work.

“During the summer at least. It’s really hot. There’s not much shaded areas, except for down there. That’s about it. Because I would walk to work a lot, so that was annoying,” said Angeni Geremonte.

The city scheduled public workshops for Thursday, Nov. 12, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Fort Myers Fire Station 11, 2033 Jackson Street, and Friday, Nov. 13, from 12 to 4:30 p.m. at the Fort Myers Regional Library, 1651 Lee Street, Room ABCD. It also asked for feedback through an online survey.

The city said the input will help shape the future of downtown Fort Myers and create safer, more livable streets for all. The feedback process will focus on how the corridors operate now and how residents and visitors want them to function in the future.

Help shape Fort Myers through online survey

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