Cape Coral council member proposes pedestrian-only piazza

CAPE CORAL, Fla. – A council member wants to permanently close two blocks on Southeast 47th Terrace between SE 11th Place and SE 9th Place to vehicle traffic.

Rana Erbrick’s idea is a counter proposal to the CRA’s streetscaping plan, which would add new sidewalks, benches and trees along Southeast 47th from Coronado Parkway to Del Prado Boulevard.

“The concept that we need to be looking at is something that focuses on where the people are congregating, the big number of people,” said Erbrick. “And can we get a bigger bang for the dollars we would spend?”

Erbrick tells WINK News she knows the idea to close the road to drivers is controversial, but said the costs would be comparable to the streetscaping plan at $8 million.

Her proposal would transform part of Cape Coral’s entertainment district into a piazza, offering outside dining and open walking spaces. Commuters would no longer be able to use Southeast 47th Terrace to avoid traffic on Cape Coral Parkway.

“It’s a ridiculous idea. It doesn’t make sense. The traffic (would) become a disaster,” said Steve Rutkowski.

“I think it’s an excellent idea. A lot of cities have gone that way and it has proven to be pretty good,” said Carol Eppa.

“The foot traffic would increase, it would be a nicer area to walk through,” said Shannon Yates, owner of Nevermind Awesome Bar & Eatery.

Erbrick hopes to get the proposal on the city council agenda for discussion in the next few weeks.