Bonita Springs council sends $35M rail trail decision to voters

BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. (WINK)—Bonita Springs City Council voted to let residents decide whether the city should borrow up to $35 million for the Bonita-Estero Rail Trail project.

The decision puts a general obligation bond on the ballot for the Aug. 18 election. The bond would allow the city to borrow money to transform an unused rail line into a nearly six-mile walking and biking trail.

"What's better than allowing the people to vote nothing? That's what this whole system is built on," City Council Member Jesse said.

If approved, the city would repay the bond using property taxes over 30 years. The final cost depends on factors like interest rates.

"We're not asking them to spend we're asking them to say yes or no, and we'll take it from there," City Council Member Bogaz said.

Deb Orton, president of the Bonita-Estero Rail Trail project, said the trail would transform an eyesore into something useful for the community.

"This will provide an alternative away from the traffic for people to walk," Orton said.

Terrence McLaughlin, a cyclist, said the trail would create a safer space for bikers.

"That would get us off the roads. It would put us into our own environment, and it would just be so much safer and be a much better place for everyone," McLaughlin said.

Not everyone supports the project. Dave Jaye, a Bonita Springs resident, called it a financial disaster.

"It's a financial disaster. The taxpayers are being asked to pay for the bone, and the railroad pays for gets all the meat," Jaye said. "I'll be voting no."

Bonita Springs residents will decide whether the project moves forward on Aug. 18.