It was noted that much of the development hinged on the availability to an adequate sewer system and many residents living along Stringfellow Rd. were concerned about the possible assessments and other impact to their properties.
     The county officials stated that properties directly impacted by the proposed sewer line could not be forced into a property assessment unless they chose to connect to the line and then only to a reasonable connection fee. Only new development proposed after the existence of the sewer system is installed would be required to connect. Furthermore, that if Mr. Gunther chose to finance the project himself, he was within his rights as long as the project met all local, state and federal codes and regulations. Under this scenario, the only cost to the county would be any upgrades necessary to accommodate off-road population density which the county estimates to be about 10% of the sewer installation costs.
     There was no final indication on which side of Stringfellow Rd. the sewer line would be buried as of yet. However, officials said, it was a distinct possibility the line would be placed right next to the newly constructed drainage system and that Bike Path over it would have to be destroyed and then replaced. Furthermore, that this configuration. e.g., a sewer line right next to a drainage line, is standard everywhere.
     A number of residents voiced concerns over an additional marina and a rumored casino (see article from Pine Island Civic Assoc. concerning the proposed marina) and the impact that it and the additional development might have on traffic patterns on Stringfellow Rd. Phil Buchanan of the Greater Pine Island Civic Assoc., stated quite often traffic surveys are taken in the off-season when numbers are down rather than accepting DOT peak-season assessments. This practice most often skews the statistics, which are then favorable for any development request. Mr. Buchanan went on to say that he didn’t know anyone that thought it was otherwise reasonable to expect a return on investment in private financing of a 9 mile sewer system for an additional 27 condominium units.

GPICA Answers
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Manatees are common in this canal. They have trouble avoiding boats because the canal is narrow and shallow, but the residents along the canal generally have lived there a long time and are familiar with the problem and have learned take precautions. There is currently no commercial traffic on the canal.
    Adding commercial traffic to the canal would create serious difficulties for the manatee. Even if the commercial boat operators were specially trained to avoid manatees, their task would be impossible given the size of their large boats and barges and the narrowness of the canal. Manatee injuries would be certain and fatalities would be likely.
    The canal was manmade in the mid-1900’s. Since then, it has largely returned to natural status by the growth of sea grasses, oysters, and other habitat. It serves as an essential fish habitat for a wide range of finfish species, probably including the smalltooth sawfish. Mullet are observed in the canal year -round, and snook and other sports fish are often caught.
    Dredging of the canal would obviously upset the delicate habitat balance required by the finfish, shellfish, and manatee. And use of the canal by large commercial boats would obviously create prop damage, pollution, noise, and serious habitat damage.
Summary:
    This organization and the Lee County Government (by the above described actions) have already determined for both sound land planning and environmental reasons that this site is inappropriate for a marina or the proposed dredging. We urge you to deny this application for the same reasons we have already done so.
    For more information, please contact Phil Buchanan, 239-2183-4067, coolcherokee@comcast.net. Signed, Cathy Hendrickson.”

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