The issue of parking raised, yet again
The issue of parking in Boca Grande came up, yet again. Like so many issues that involve the island, it came up after most of the seasonal regulars had left, and cannot be heard.
A quick recap. This spring, a number of island residents, some on Gilchrist and others not, began pressuring officials in Fort Myers at Lee County, about restricting parking in Boca Grande, most particularly on Gilchrist. They are worried about how fragile the island is, and what happens on the beaches, and what happens in front of their houses.
The Gilchrist churches did not agree, as they had thought that issue was settled. And then, it came up again, in formality, this week, with a 4-0 vote for Commissioner Kevin Ruane to come up with solutions.
In the past, managing some sort of resident parking system has been resisted. There is a long tradition, since the beginning of Boca Grande as a town, of church parking on Gilchrist, and a very libertarian approach to parking elsewhere. In recent years, there have been one-off and slowly increasing restrictions on main roads, but free parking in town.
This system has worked well for the island, except on major, hot-season holidays and weekends such as Memorial Day, Labor Day, Fourth of July and spring break, when crowds are large, and things do get messy.
There are many nuances. The problem is that people are not here to voice them.
At the meeting, one wise comment stood out. Commissioner Brian Hamman asked for a consultant who would be able to sort out these competing ideas, and make some recommendations.
While yet another consultant can waste time “discussing,” the reality is that an experienced urban planner, in person, can work through these items far better than a bunch of people sending emails over to Lee County. Questions:
How do we direct visitors from the Causeway on? What does parking signage look like? How do we encourage positive behavior on our beaches and in public spaces, for both locals and visitors?
Some points:
• Beach visitors cannot be expected to all go to the parking access points at the State Parks. On busy days, they are at capacity, parking wise. The idea of all parking being blocked off of Gilchrist, and further restrictions on the numbered beach access points, will only put more pressure on the beach parking at the State Parks.
• Some residents are pushing for regulations as soon as possible, and then let the implementation come later. That is dangerous, as the issue is too complex, and few are here on island to discuss it. You cannot get at a solution when many of the people affected are not here.
• The example of Sanibel, where Kevin Ruane was mayor, is not analogous to Boca Grande. In Sanibel, they are incorporated, with elected officials. They have a complex parking system, but it has an office, with elected representation that administers it.
• In this issue, the churches are rightly concerned about their survival. They risk becoming mere museum pieces, where any attendees must only come at 9 or 11 a.m., the rest of requiring a permit? Certainly, one can get permits for Easter. But the reality of our churches is that they operate through the week, with men’s and women’s Bible studies, dinners, speakers and concerts.
• There are many residents who live on the island who have to go to public access points to reach the beach.
• Boca Grande Chamber members must be heard.
• Anyone who wants restricted parking in Boca Grande talks about the island being fragile. Yes, in some ways it is fragile. The retail is fragile, too. Just go into any merchant, and ask.
• Implementation is key. When the last changes were made to the rules regarding restricting overnight parking, at some point someone placed yellow plastic tubes in the Gilchrist median.
• There should not be a loss of parking spaces.
• The signage and overall look of the plan must go in front of the Boca Grande Historic Preservation Board.
• There are many issues with the behavior of beach-goers that have nothing to do with parking. The new legalization of medical marijuana, for instance, adds a toxic new ingredient to beachfront life. There are plenty of laws on the books already. Enforce them.
• Before any ordinance is passed, the parking lot access at 5th Street must be opened up.
Everyone needs to be heard. Everyone, to the nth detail. And everyone needs to begin this discussion, again, with real prayer. Because this is about the future of the island.
The answers are not difficult where there is openness, complete honesty and goodwill for the future of this island.
Garland Pollard is the editor of the Boca Beacon. Email editor@bocabeacon.com.
