Bonita Springs voters weigh in on $28 million rail trail proposal

The future of the Bonita Estero Rail Trail, an 11-mile path connecting Estero to Collier County, depends on tonight’s election results, as voters decide whether Bonita Springs should contribute over $28 million to the project. Deb Orton, president of the nonprofit Friends of BERT, said the trail would provide a safer environment for cyclists, runners, and walkers. "For me personally and for a lot of people who are cyclists, runners, and walkers. It is one of the worst places in the country to be a cyclist, to be a walker and a runner, because it's so dangerous. So our purpose is to be able to separate bicyclists and pedestrians from the busy traffic, put them onto a rail corridor where they can be safe," Orton said. Not everyone supports the project, however. Dave Jaye, a member of the Taxpayers Association, criticized the plan, calling it a misuse of public funds. "But this is overpriced, polluted land. This is going to be a huge liability. This is a debt bomb. They don't consider phase two, the phase two of the environmental cleanup, paving, removing the rails, having gun lighting, and parking," Jaye said. Voters have expressed differing opinions on the trail’s potential impact. Lee County voter April Keating said the project would benefit future generations. "This is preserving that land and allowing future generations to enjoy it and also be involved in the community and the connectivity, and just all the health benefits alone is the number one reason for me," Keating said. As ballots are counted tonight, the community will learn whether the Bonita Estero Rail Trail project will move forward or be halted. DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment, and original programming on your TV.