Home › Island News › Local News
Residents won’t pay for bridge toll
STORY TOOLS
Tell us about it
- What would you add to this story? Tell us what we missed.
- Do you have photos from this event? Documents we need to see? Share with us.
- Upload photos & videos
- More ways to get your stuff online and in the paper.
More Local News
- Exploring their options: High schoolers get chance to earn cash, try out career possibilities
- Poorly performing Collier schools now accountable for national standards
- Marco celebrates Fourth with a new name: Uncle Sam’s Sand Jam
Share and Enjoy [?]
Many of the Marco Island residents who attended a public meeting Monday night told Collier County officials and members of the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) that they were against a toll for a new S.S. Jolley Bridge.
The meeting was part of a toll bridge study authorized by the MPO, the organization that prioritizes road projects in the county. The Jolley Bridge project to expand the two lanes to four is high on the MPO’s priority list, second only to the expansion of Davis Boulevard.
Many of the residents said only visitors should pay the price if a toll was mandated. Several noted that a toll would “devastate” workers who cross onto the island to provide services.
“I’m speaking for the employees,” businessman Richard Shanahan said. “The employees are going to pay.”
Ed Bania / Eagle staff
Don Scott, Collier County Transportation Planning Director, spoke to approximately 100 Marco Island residents Monday night about a toll for the S.S. Jolley Bridge. Scott said a toll is one of several possible options to fund a new four lane bridge.
Citizens noted that the toll costs would eventually be added onto the price of goods and services. Other residents said that traffic would be backed up on Hwy. 951 to Capri Boulevard if a toll booth was constructed.
Don Scott, Collier County Transportation Planning Director, told the attendees that a toll is one possible funding option for a new bridge. He used a $2 fee as an example of a possible toll. Scott added that the project was estimated at $44 million several years ago. The project isn’t expected to begin until at least 10 years from now. The cost would likely increase because of inflation.
Ed Bania / Eagle staff
About 100 Marco Island residents attended a meeting Monday night about a toll for the S.S. Jolley Bridge.
Cambridge Systematics, a consulting firm hired by the MPO, conducted a survey of drivers for the study. Handouts were given to drivers at the intersection of North Collier Boulevard and Barfield Drive. The forms asked information relating to the sex and income of the drivers and many driving habits and routes.
Many of the people attending Monday night’s meeting said several of the questions were unimportant and an invasion of their privacy.
Scott said another public hearing will be scheduled for July to gather data during the off-season.
Webified
- DOCUMENT: Download the MPO survey about the Jolley Bridge (.pdf)
- RELATED: Marco crowd says no to tolls for Jolley Bridge (04-02-07)
- RELATED: Toll feasibility study expected to delay traffic on North Collier (03-28-07)
- RELATED: Tentative date set for Jolley Bridge toll hearing (03-10-07)
- RELATED: Toll for Jolley bridge to be studied; no amount set (02-09-07)
Comments
This site does not necessarily agree with comments posted below — responsibility lies with the relevant reader alone. Read our privacy policy & user agreement.
The S.S. Jolley Bridge belongs to the state of Florida. The state is responsible for its repair or replacement, if needed. Not the residents or visitors of Marco Island or Collier County! The survey taken was a waste of our tax dollars. If a bridge is needed, we should be talking to state of Florida. Not the drivers on Collier Blvd. No more needs to be said!
#1 Posted by 1Paradiselost on April 3, 2007 at 10:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The toll is needed. Boca Grand, Sanibel, Cape Coral, and there are many more all have tolls. The toll is needed. The money generated from the Jolly Bridge should also be able to help with replacement and maintenance for our other Marco bridges. That said I won't miss the people that don't need to be here, aka..... less traffic.
#2 Posted by strike3 on April 3, 2007 at 10:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
where does toll money go from other cities that have tolls??
#3 Posted by strike3 on April 3, 2007 at 12:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Let's charge a toll for boaters to go under the bridge. Better yet, have Enterprise build it and the job will never get done.
#4 Posted by Mercedes on April 3, 2007 at 4:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!
#5 Posted by strike3 on April 3, 2007 at 10:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
WTF!!!!!!!!!!!Never remove a joeyWnuts comment!!!!!!!
#6 Posted by strike3 on April 3, 2007 at 10:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Here is another project being shoved down our throats that is not needed. There is no emergency, the State of Florida inspected the bridge and declared it safe. It has scheduled minor repairs and does not view the replacement of this bridge to be a priority. Why does Minozzi feel only he is wise enough to determine what is and what is not needed on this island? Is he transferring his paternal feelings to our citizens? Does he believe that he is our father figure? If so, he needs to be locked up!
#7 Posted by Lolala on April 4, 2007 at 6:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Minnozzi is an arrogant stuffed suit (expensive ones, admittedly). It would be tolerable if he had just a little bit of intelligence, but it is not to be. His comments in council have amused me greatly for years. I really should have written them down and published a comedy book. He may have hit a high point with "animals don't drink coffee" a year or so ago, but he still does not disappoint.
This island has been cursed with exceedingly bad leadership. I still have hope for the recall and POP petitions, but if they don't get the job done, I hope that the people of Marco make an effort to elect four new serious, intelligent and fiscally conservative candidates who will work to reverse the severe damage that this (and the last) council has done to this island. Three come to mind immediately: Joe Batte, Roger Hall and Dr. Mario Sanchez, although I do not know if they have interest.
You know, the current council and administration have that norhteastern liberal attitude that Marco can "easily" afford whatever outlandish schemes that t hey can come up with. This is how we wind up with a federal budget that is only 30% (!!!) controllable by congress due to 70% dedicated to entitlements AND GROWING. People need to stop and think a little before we replace good playground equipment and bridges with more "desirable" ones.....especially when you are spending OTHER PEOPLE'S money! (Disgusted!)
PS The purchase of "Marco Man" for $10,000 of MY dollars was the last straw for me. ARROGANCE along with a dash of stupidity!!!!
John Putnam
#8 Posted by jwputnam on April 4, 2007 at 9:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Post your comment
(Requires free registration.)