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In the Know: Sorry, no bridge over U.S. 41 at Mercato
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Q: I have heard a rumor to the effect that perhaps a pedestrian bridge will be built over U.S. 41 from the new Mercato development to the western side of 41. Is there any possibility of such a bridge being built? Also, would it not be an idea to have other bridges over extremely busy roads like 41 for people on foot? I have seen such in other cities, and they appear to work out well. If the authorities are afraid of accidental falls, some sort of wire mesh could be put in place. Bridges would also be useful near the bus stops, to serve passengers needing to cross the busy road.
— Ellen Norbom, Pelican Bay
A: When I posed your question to John Torre, director of Collier County’s Communication & Customer Relations Department, he was quick to respond.
“There are no plans for a pedestrian overpass near Mercato or anywhere else in the county at this time,” Torre said.
The idea is not new to U.S. 41 in Naples, though. A pedestrian bridge was a popular idea proposed by a local architect a couple of years ago to span downtown Naples’ “Four Corners,” where U.S. 41 joins Fifth Avenue South. City officials have yet to act on a pedestrian-friendly alternative to the heavily traveled intersection.
Q: What is the name of the shrub with the pretty, light blue blossoms that has become so popular in highway median plantings around Collier County?
— W.N. Butler, Naples
A: Those hardy shrubs are Imperial Blue plumbagos, perfect for Florida landscapes because they tolerate dry conditions, said Diane Flagg, director of the county’s Alternative Transportation Modes Department.
“They don’t like to get their feet wet,” Flagg said.
Q: I live right behind the old Bennigan’s restaurant, off Pine Ridge Road, between U.S. 41 and Goodlette-Frank. The building is being demolished. I am curious to know if there is anything planned on being built on that spot. I am also interested in the old Grand Inn hotel being remodeled. Not much progress has been made over the past year to the old Grand Inn building and, frankly, I’m tired of the construction noise going on. I can’t get any answers from the county. Please help me.
— Mary Pagano, Naples
A: Pending permits, construction is expected to start in a month or so on a two-story, 34,000-square-foot office building over parking at the site of the former Bennigan’s Grill and Tavern, said Michael Fernandez of Planning Development Inc.
Adjacent to the restaurant site, the former Grand Inn of Naples, 1100 Pine Ridge Road, was gutted to make room for a condominium project called Regal Point. The four-story hotel’s 104 rooms are being replaced by 56 condos, Fernandez said.
Work on the condos has been on hold to catch up with the county’s permitting process. As soon as the permits are ready, they are raring to go, Fernandez said.
Tim Aten is chief online editor of the Daily News. E-mail questions with your name and city of residence to intheknow@naplesnews.com.
Tired of being stuck behind that cement mixer? Wondering if you need to buy stock in Bob's Barricades? 
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If we had the pedestrian overpasses, we'd have to have elevators to haul the handicap people up and down. Now we're talking expense! Rather than make things easier for the majority of the people, we have to be politically correct and ensure everyone can use facilities
#1 Posted by mpulsivebat on March 12, 2008 at 8:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
mpulsivebat:
I suggest that you make a copy of what you said. Then you need to date and frame your statement Then the day you end up in a wheelchair, you can re-read your views about the handicapped.
#2 Posted by treemugger on March 12, 2008 at 8:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
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