Let's talk about proposed sidewalks and bike lanes for the city of Port St. Lucie, Florida. But first, let me give you a little bit of history about this growing community.
Port Saint Lucie was a largely uninhabited tract of land south of White City, Florida in the 1950s, composed of a fishing camp, a few farms and businesses near US1. In 1959, the GDC opened its first bridge over the St. Lucie River, allowing for direct automobile access to Port St. Lucie.
By February 25, 1961 there were 250 homes in the new city. Port St. Lucie wasn't considered or became a city until April 27, 1961 with the passage of House Bill No. 953, proposed by State Representative Rupert Smith and approved by Florida Governor C. Farris Bryant. In the early 21st Century, Port St. Lucie was named the fastest growing city in the United States. There were only about 300 inhabitants in 1970; rapid growth began after 1980, with a population around 15,000 in 1980, and approximately 55,000 in 1990. By 2000 census, Port St. Lucie's population grew to 88,769, and just 7 years later in 2007 it grew to have 400,121 residents. In 2003, The Tradition Development Corporation bought land in Port St. Lucie, and created a new community, known as Tradition. Currently, construction is still being completed in the newest community, but some shopping and housing has been established.
Port St. Lucie has about 75.5 miles of land. New roads and housings being built everyday to accommodate residents. I want to know how I can, or how we can as a community also create more sidewalks and bike lanes. There are many things that can always be done to expand, but this isn't necessarily expanding, it's merely a contribution to keep this the destination of those who live here, and a destination that tourists would like to come back to. I don't know the city's budget, and who's dollars will be an asset to putting this plan into action, but I do know this is just a small area that needs to be focused on. It will not change the landscape too much, and it won't severely interrupt traffic operations. If anything that we should focus on, it is that the sidewalks and bike lanes is just an add on to the roads being constructed today and it will be cost affective.
I want to see more sidewalks outside a gated community. More bike lanes along major roads other than the new Crosstown Parkway. I feel much safer that way walking the sidewalks and biking the bike lanes for either exercise or for commuting. I would do it more often and save money on gas, which in turn can pay for my extended stay in Port St. Lucie. What city would want people to turn away? Sometimes, it's the simple things that are overlooked. St. Lucie is already in the early stages of developing a St. Lucie International Airport, a Bioscience building, and has also been thrown the idea of a Six Flags theme park out west. Sure, this will bring jobs and tourist to the attraction and stay at the nearby hotels, which will surely work. But, those developments takes time, a considerable amount of years, and it's to be expected, no? How about considering a smaller plan in the meantime that may not necessarily bring the city money directly, but indirectly (like I mentioned before about gas - that simple tip off). Port St. Lucie needs sidewalks and bike lanes. Think of your children, or someone you know who has children who often walk or bike to one place to another. Don't you want to know that there is added security just knowing our city made an effort in protected our kids and ourselves by going that extra mile? I saw first hand at the age of thirteen my best friend get hit by a car on Floresta Drive which eventually took her life a week later. How did it happen? Because she had to walk so close to the road which has a posted speed limit of 40mph. No sidewalk....no bike lane. I don't want to fear the same thing again with my children some day, myself or other families.
Do you agree with me that this should be something brought to the table? Who do I propose this to? Do you have the answer?
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