THE BONITA ESTERO RAIL TRAIL - TRANSFORMATION OF A REGION
BERT ’ S EXPECTED BENEFITS
As a critical segment in the developing Florida Gulf Coast Trail and SUN Trail Network , the Bonita Estero Rail Trail is expected to bring a range of economic , safety , health , and environmental benefits .
ECONOMIC
Trails have a proven history of delivering economic benefits to communities and regions . Many studies throughout the United States and Florida illustrate these benefits . For example , drawing from the results of a 2019 FDOT SUN Trail study and 2018 study on the Legacy Trail Extension in Sarasota County , it is estimated that the economic and societal benefits of BERT could range from $ 9 to $ 14 million annually in Lee and Collier counties .
Upon completion , BERT is expected to draw significant use from residents and visitors . The Legacy Trail in Sarasota County provides a preview of what usage could be , drawing nearly 700,000 users in 2023 . Trail user expenditures for hotels , restaurants , grocery stores , rental shops , hard good sales , and other items are estimated to be between $ 4.17 to $ 9.1 million annually for BERT , growing as the number of trail users increase over time . In communities like Downtown Bonita Springs and Estero , business occupancy rates close to BERT are expected to increase following completion of the trail , echoing the impact of trails on other Florida communities .
See Transformation on page 8 for information about the potential BERT may have to change some of our communities .
Trails are one of the most desired community amenities among prospective homebuyers . This has been documented for several years through surveys by the National Association of Homebuilders and other organizations . And according to Florida ’ s 2023-2027 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan ( SCORP ), greenways and trails are the type of outdoor recreation facility that Sunshine State residents most desire in their communities . Because of the popularity of trails , numerous studies affirm that property values of a home closer to a trail are higher than those further away . According to the National Association of Realtors , living near trails and greenways will likely raise property values an average of 3-5 % and sometimes even as high as 15 %.
FLORIDA TRAIL TOWNS : Winter Garden and Dunedin are frequently cited as realworld examples that effectively illustrate the power of trails to change communities .
The West Orange Trail has been instrumental to the economic transformation of Downtown Winter Garden , helping lead to the City ’ s recognition as one of Florida ’ s Great Places ( American Planning Association , Florida Chapter ).
The Pinellas Trail brought an economic renaissance to Dunedin where downtown business occupancy rates went from 30 % to at or near 100 % following completion of the trail .
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