Council directs staff to solicit engineering to design Wildlife Drive shared‑use path extension

Sanibel’s City Council on Tuesday authorized staff to solicit proposals from engineering firms to design an extension of the island’s shared‑use path from Wildlife Drive to SanCap Road.

City Engineer Oisin Dolly presented a feasibility ranking of candidate projects based on right‑of‑way availability, environmental constraints and cost. Public Works determined the Wildlife Drive extension ranked highest for near‑term feasibility because much of the alignment runs adjacent to cleared road frontage; other options (a path behind Periwinkle businesses) would require more easement acquisition and elevated boardwalks in wetland areas.

Councilmembers discussed whether to prioritize widening the existing shared‑use path (to address congestion on Periwinkle) or to pursue the new Wildlife Drive extension. Vice Mayor Henshaw and Councilmember Johnson urged that widening existing pinch points be the top priority for safety; others, including the mayor, said completing a near‑term extension that can be done with available funds may provide the best immediate benefit.

Dean D’Souza said the city already has $2,500,000 in state funding for shared‑use path work and approximately $1,000,000 available from road impact fees for expansion; staff also noted $700,000 of impact fees remained unallocated. Dolly said the design phase would clarify how much widening is feasible inside existing right‑of‑way and where easements or elevated structures would be required.

Councilmember Johnson moved to solicit an engineering proposal for the Wildlife Drive–SanCap extension; the motion was seconded and passed by recorded vote. Staff will return cost estimates and options after completing the design proposal.