December 15: Public Kickoff Meeting for the Able Canal Pathway Project

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District One, is holding a Public Kickoff Meeting for the Able Canal Pathway Project Development & Environment (PD&E) Study from Harns Marsh to Joel Boulevard (CR 884) in Lee County.

The public is invited to attend the meeting anytime from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 15, 2016, at the Veterans Park Recreation Center, 55 Homestead Road South, Lehigh Acres, FL 33936.

The proposed shared-use pathway will traverse the north side of Able Canal in Lehigh Acres. The pathway will be approximately 5.58 miles in length. The purpose of the pathway is to facilitate the use of viable, non-motorized travel options for commuters and recreational users in the Able Canal corridor and within the Lehigh Acres community. The intent is to provide connections between nearby residential areas and Lehigh Acres park facilities. Numerous amenities will be considered, such as signing, knowledge stations, boardwalks, and pedestrian bridges.

The meeting is an open house with no formal presentation. People attending the meeting may review project displays and aerial photographs and speak one-on-one with project team members. This meeting will give interested persons an opportunity to express their views concerning the location, conceptual design, and social, economic, and environmental effects of the proposed improvements.

FDOT is sending notices to all property owners located at least 300 feet on either side of Able Canal within the project limits, as well as to public officials, organizations, and people interested in the project. FDOT welcomes and appreciates everyone’s participation in the project. FDOT solicits public participation without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability or family status. Persons who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact FDOT Project Manager Patrick Bateman, E.I., at least seven days prior to the meeting at (863) 519-2792, toll free at 1-800-292-3368, extension 2792, or by email at patrick.bateman@dot.state.fl.us.

For more information about the Able Canal Pathway PD&E Study, please visit the project website at www.swflroads.com/ablecanalpathway.