Oakes Estates Advisory
“State of our Neighborhood Vision”
Never Allow 4-laning of Oakes Blvd.
Oakes 4-laning has been removed from the 25-year master plan. However, the 25-year plan is constantly evolving and there is no way to keep it out of the plan other than ongoing vigilance.
Never Allow our Lanes to Connect to Logan Blvd
The OEA pledged early support for the Logan Extension in return for the county’s pledge never to connect our lanes. This has already been tested when rumors surfaced recently that the county was designing a connection to two of our streets. County officials were taken aback that such a rumor even existed, as they clearly remembered their pledge which is also recorded in public record. However, we must always remain engaged with the county and vigilant.
Fight Development and Commercialization
We defeated a group of property owners along Immokalee Road that were attempting to re-zone all properties commercial. We could have had gas stations, strip centers, and office buildings along our northern border! In cases where we have been told that development cannot be stopped, we have negotiated firmly and in good faith. To avoid excessive traffic, we successfully restricted the number of students allowed at a child care facility at Faith Community Church. See updates below re: Super Target and Standing Oaks PUD.
Protect Against Crime (via Neighborhood Watch)
Our Neighborhood Watch program has been in force for over a year now, with signs announcing the program spread throughout the neighborhood.
Neighborhood identity and a great gathering place (our new Neighborhood Park)
The OEA worked with the county Parks and Recreation Department for over 5 years to achieve the preservation of a 5-acre parcel at Standing Oaks and Oakes Blvd and development of the Oakes Estates Neighborhood Park which many families are already enjoying.
Access to More Services / Super Target and Chili’s, etc.
We negotiated for almost a year with the Super Target / Kite Development PUD (one of the 15 concessions they made was to provide the crosswalk and flashing light you now see beside our new neighborhood park). The shopping center is as attractive as any in the area, and we now have groceries and household supplies within 3 minutes and great dining too – Panera Bread and Chili’s are open too!
Traffic Calming (via Standing Oaks PUD)
We negotiated aggressively with the Standing Oaks PUD (164 future condos/townhomes on 41 acres beside I-75) for standards regarding their future border with our western-most residents between Shady Oaks and Standing Oaks Lanes. In addition, whenever they submit and gain approval of a Site Development Plan (needed before construction begins), it is written into their PUD contract with the county that they are to provide several raised, planted medians along Oakes Blvd. Not only esthetically pleasing, these medians will help slow traffic as they provide a visual barrier and cars must “jog” around them.
Completion of Livingston and Logan Extension to Reduce Cut-Through Traffic
Admittedly, the passive aspects of our strategy, traffic has been reduced by the openings of Livingston Road and Logan Blvd, meaning that Oakes remains an attractive cut-through route for only a few neighborhoods.
Reduction of Damaging Cut-Through Traffic (Heavy Trucks!)
“No Trucks Over 5 Tons” has been enacted for Oakes Blvd! Signs are expected to be posted on both Immokalee Road and Vanderbilt Beach Road once construction is completed.
Reduction of Cut-Through Traffic / Improved Flow on Immokalee (via Removal of traffic light at Oakes & Immokalee)
The new Northbrooke bridge beside the 7-Eleven is finally open and functioning fully. By expanding the traffic light at Northbrooke/Tarpon Bay/Immokalee, the county was able to remove the light at Oakes Blvd and Immokalee Road. Removal of this light was dictated by the county—the good news is that it should further reduce cut-through traffic on Oakes Blvd. The county’s goal is to increase the distance between lights and improve the flow of traffic on Immokalee.
Fight Speeding -- Oakes Blvd Speed Limit Reduction to 35 MPH!
The speed limit was reduced to 35MPH last month which should continue to reduce cut-through traffic.
Improved Access (via Completion of Vanderbilt Beach Road)
Completed around the end of 2008 (with the exception of punch list additions such as landscaping and curbing), the addition of new lanes to Vanderbilt Beach Road has cut travel times by several minutes each way, especially at rush hour!
Improved Access (via Completion of Immokalee under the I-75 Bridge)
Forecast for the fall of 2010, completion of this last section of Immokalee Road will make a dramatic impact on our ability to travel to and from the west.
Improved Access (via Future “Jog” at the Valewood light into Oakes Estates)
Not as quickly as we had hoped, but there are plans for an additional future entrance/exit to our neighborhood. Expected completion in late 2010. The light at Valewood (Quail Creek and Longshore Lake) and Immokalee will be expanded with lanes southward to connect with Autumn Oaks Lane. Travel in all directions will be possible!
Much of the land needed by the county for this “jog” is being provided by the First Congregational Church. In return, we have provided support for their conditional use application which has been approved by the county (allowing them to build a church on Immokalee to the west of St. Monica’s and Eagle’s Nest).
Preliminary Approval for Neighborhood Signs
We have initial cooperation from the county to place neighborhood signs in the Oakes Blvd. median near Vanderbilt Beach Road, in the county right of way on Spanish Oaks near Oakes Blvd. A sign location at our north entrance is TBD until design for any medians is finalized for the upcoming jog from Autumn Oaks Lane.
We are almost there! What else do we need to do? Please provide your ideas.