FMB business owners optimistic about construction

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FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla.- It’s been more than a week since a controversial road construction project has divided Fort Myers Beach.

Many residents and business owners have had enough of the traffic jams and delays. But now, many are looking at the project in a whole new light after a meeting was held with county, town and project staff.

“I feel a little better, yes I do. I am going to feel positive that these contractors will try to make these better,” said Al Durrett, owner of Fish Tale Marina.

It was standing room only at Town Hall on Fort Myers Beach. Many skeptical business owners and residents wanted answers after a project to replace water mains turned into a traffic nightmare.

“I think the meeting went absolutely first class. The contractors, the county and the town were there to answer questions,” said Durrett.

Many businesses say they now feel better about the project after the meeting.

“The people who are responsible for the road construction took all of the criticisms very well. They have a lot to be proud of. They are out there working very hard,” said Carla Pine, owner of the Salty Dog Gallery & Gifts.

One question many people had is, why can’t the work be done at night? Staff says by changing the time, work would slow down significantly.

Other ideas to ease the traffic problems were brought up including adding cameras to monitor the traffic jams, free parking, and letting fewer cars through when Estero Boulevard is reduced to one lane.

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