Tree removal along Cape Coral Parkway disrupts local businesses, sparks safety concerns

CAPE CORAL, Fla. (WINK) — City tree removal along Cape Coral Parkway is disrupting businesses, with some closing for the day.

The work is happening along Cape Coral Parkway from Southeast 15th Avenue to Coronado Parkway. WINK News stopped by the area to see how businesses are handling the disruption.

Business owners say the project will create a nightmare if it stretches into snowbird season. Crews are digging out trees to make space for a sidewalk, but businesses say this will not only create a parking nightmare, but it's also a safety hazard as the curb comes so close to the new lane. They're worried about potential crashes.

The city has begun expanding Cape Coral Parkway from four to six lanes to ease traffic congestion. The city says it will remove street parking and 33 trees along the roadway to accommodate the area's rapid growth and motorist safety.

Cape Coral business owner Bob Lanzieri said this project is not keeping anyone safe. If anything, it will be even more dangerous for drivers and pedestrians.

"People are doing 40, 50 miles an hour down here, and I don't care what sign you have up for speed, and how many radar police you have," Lanzieri said. "You can see it when they go down, come off the bridge. It's the same thing. Initially, innately, people go fast. They want to get to where they're going. So now you got this. Now, somebody walking on a sidewalk, somebody pushes them, somebody knocks them over, they trip, they fall. What happens? Where are they going to fall? Right into the lane. There's no safety."

WINK News reached out to Cape Coral, asking for an updated statement or more information about the project. The city has not yet responded.