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On November 7th, the joint VCA/ECC Rail to Trail Committee held an informational meeting for Vines residents and ECC members to outline our opposition to the proposed route through our community and golf course.
Members of the joint committee have been giving tours to Village Council and MPO members to show them the issues and explain our concerns and propose an alternative to bisecting our community. The alternative route runs from the tracks along Estero Parkway to the drainage area between Belle Lago and The Reserve and continues along the drainage area on our northside property line to the tracks on our northern border. The dangers to both residents and trail users of crossing Vintage Trace Circle and the potential delay of emergency services were pointed out. Reaction to our concerns is encouraging and the committee's goal is to have every member of the Council and the MPO see the issues in person.
The VCA and ECC have agreed to share the cost of engaging the legal services of Noel Davies of Davies & Duke to advise us. Mr. Davies will be presenting a resolution to end the Rail Trail at Estero Parkway at the Estero Village Council meeting on December 7th. If the Council passes the resolution it will send a clear message to the MPO and Lee County that continuing the trail north does not have Village support.
The MPO will be making a presentation on the Rail to Trail to the Council at the December 7th meeting.
Residents are encouraged to attend the December 7th meeting to be held at 9:30 am at Village Hall on Corkscrew. Please wear red in support of our opposition. It is important that we maintain the goodwill of the Village Council and the MPO, therefore, please be respectful and do not interrupt their proceedings with applause, comments, cell phones or conversation. If possible, please plan to attend the entire meeting.
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