Businesses, residents concerned over proposed median on McGregor Blvd. in south Fort Myers

A proposed grassy median on one main Southwest Florida road is causing a lot of opposition. Neighborhoods and businesses say converting a turn lane on McGregor Boulevard would cut them off from people trying to access their entrances and streets.

McGregor Boulevard is home to all kinds of businesses. Some are new, and some have been around for years, but they seem to agree that putting a median on McGregor would be bad for business.

“My initial reaction was, that can’t be possible. They must have something going to be cut out for like the Publix entrance. But it is a solid median that’s going to run the entire distance,” said Jennie Curtis.

The proposed median would eliminate a driver’s ability to get to some business parking lots directly off of McGregor Boulevard between Cypress Lake Drive and Edinburgh Drive in south Fort Myers.

Jennie Curtis, the owner of Bark Place Daycare Boarding and Training, believes it will stop people who use McGregor from using her doggy daycare.

“If they have to go find another way to come in or have to go find a u-turn, take them further up the road, it’s going to be an inconvenience. And you know, everybody doesn’t have that kind of time,” said Curtis.

Darlene Sumner owns Little Paws Bakery next door. She said, “it’s horrible. It’s going to put us all out of business. It’s terrible.”

Both business owners said the lack of communication from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) adds insult to injury. Only property owners were notified of a meeting FDOT held about the project.

An FDOT spokesman said the project’s design is not final, and there is still time for anyone to offer their opinions on the initial design.

“For us, public comments are incredibly important. They’re incredibly crucial, and they have a big determination of our outcome of this project,” said FDOT’s Adam Rose.

If built, the project is estimated to cost around $980,000.

FDOT is accepting feedback on the project until Friday, Feb. 4. You can submit your feedback to FDOT Project Manager Katherine Chinault by email at Katherine.Chinault@dot.state.fl.us or by phone at 863-519-2777.