The gated community of Vines Estero is concerned that an abandoned railroad is becoming a public trail

ESTERO, Florida. A proposed walking and cycling path may be available soon.

This is the story we first brought you to Fox 4 just last week. Abandoned railroad siding turns into a trail running from Bonita Beach Road to Aliko Road.

While this may sound like a good suggestion, it is causing growing concern for some.

“It will definitely be a security issue, security, it will most definitely affect our home values, and of course it concerns us.”

Fears are mounting in the gated community of Vines Estero. And this is due to the fact that an abandoned railway line is being converted into a proposed public walking and cycling path.

“With open access, anyone can go astray, so what do we do about it?” said Diana Ackerman, who lives in the gated community.

Open access that worries people living in the community like Ackerman.

“Accidents and incidents, but quarrels between users and our members. It is not necessary. There must be another alternative.”

The proposed walking and cycling path will run right through the old railway line. Which wouldn’t be such an issue if it wasn’t so close to the golf course along with a few other issues.

“At some critical points, the edge of the railroad will be within a few feet of the cart path from the golf course,” says Bruce Ackerman of the Estero Country Club Board of Governors.

So the community came up with an alternative way. One that includes a drainage ditch that does not run through any communities.

“It’s interesting that this trail goes all the way to the Estero Parkway between the two communities and goes all the way to the end — west, I guess — back to the railroad,” Bruce said.

The only problem with this is that the community feels their proposal is being ignored by the Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization.

“It seems to be driven solely on the basis of Sun Trail grant money, rather than considering the impact on neighborhoods and people, which should come first.”

The MPO will vote on the proposed plan in March. Tomorrow they will also meet with the community board, which hopes to influence their decision.

“It’s all about the money,” Diana said. “I understand, I don’t want to risk money. I believe in the way, but please don’t do it at our expense.”