Briarcliff neighbors expressing concerns over planned gate

Neighbors finally got their chance to take their concerns to county leaders. This comes after Lee County approved the building of a gate in the Fiddlesticks community.

The problem is that gate would also border the Briarcliff community. Neighbors there say they weren’t even asked about it. But now they’re getting to speak about it.

Briarcliff neighbors say their biggest concern is safety, of course. But changes in traffic and lifestyle, not to mention the decrease in property value. And while they know Briarcliff has no street lights or sidewalks, they’ve gotten used to this and would like to preserve it.

First, the resident protested about the over plans to construct a new entrance in their neighborhood for the Fiddlesticks community next door. Now, they’re taking those concerns to Lee County Commissioners.

Sadly, the County’s permit department has already given the ok for the gate to be built. Roger Bireley lives in Briarcliff and says he’s concerned about the County’s process. “I don’t think that they see the full picture on the community that’s about to be affected. Our community is our way of lifestyle. Some people have lifestyles, might be tennis, golf or swimming, and stuff. For us, our only community activity is really only walking up and down the street,” said Bireley.

These homeowners feel that they weren’t included in any step of the process. But, according to Lee County leaders, this particular application called for an administrative review, so that’s the process in place.

Richard Wesch is the attorney for Lee County. “We do not adjust processes based on the nature of the application, nor with all due respect, to the public that’s to come, public outcry,” said Wesch. 

But Bireley hopes this outcry will keep his community the same way it has always been – with one way in and one way out.

“It’s peaceful, it’s quiet, so by allowing the gate to come through the end of Briarcliff Road, it’s going to affect our lifestyle from day one. So, I’m really concerned about it,” said Bireley. 

The County says it has not made a final decision yet. But, Briarcliff residents say they plan to pursue legal action against the County and the Fiddlesticks community if that final approval is granted.