Item #9A Public Comments

AI Summary

The Bonita Springs City Council agenda for April 15, 2026 includes consideration of a $70 million bond tax increase to purchase the Seminole Gulf Railway corridor within city limits for conversion to a recreational bicycle trail. The Lee County Taxpayers Association has submitted formal comments requesting that City Council provide on-the-record answers to seven concerns, including alleged undisclosed purchase agreement provisions (pollution cleanup responsibility, retained billboard rights, continued lease payments to railroad, railroad repurchase options, excluded rail connectors), a potential conflict of interest involving Mayor Mike Gibson who owns a bicycle shop 500 feet from the proposed trail, and funding gaps for infrastructure removal and trail construction. The total financial impact is estimated at $70 million over 30 years, translating to $105-$150 annually per homeowner.