Johnny W. Streets, Jr.

Councilman, Ward 2
Post Office Box 2217
Fort Myers, Florida 33902
(239) 321-7002
JStreets@cityftmyers.com

TO: The Citizens of City of Fort Myers

Mayor and City Council
Saeed Kazemi, City Manager
Grant Alley, City Attorney
Richard Moulton, Public Works Director
Steve Belden, Community Development Director
Lee County Board of County Commissioners
Lee County NAACP
Justice for All People
University of Miami School of Law Environment Department
Sharon Rosier, Housing and Real Estate
Marcus Goodson, Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Developers, Builders, Contractors, and Land Owners
Lending Institutions

FROM: Councilman Johnny W. Streets, Jr., Ward 2

DATE: June 22, 2017

SUBJECT: Neighborhood Rescue (Brownfield Property)

Making a difference in the lives of others is often referred to as the best feeling one can have.
Many of us, including myself, want our lives to count for something while and when we have
the opportunity.
The dumping of sludge in an area 55 years ago is now being highlighted as the lead story in
print and video media. Let me say as the representative of Ward 2, where this land is, I am
accountable in leading the charge to resolve the issue. I offer my sincere apology to the
citizens of the City of Fort Myers and Lee County for the harm, physically and mentally, that
they may have had to endure both in the past and present that this issue has caused. I care,
and my first responsibility is to protect and serve. Public Health and Public Safety of all people
is my priority.
This issue is not new. What is new is that we as a people and a governmental body have the
opportunity to start the process immediately to clean-up this mess. We will work collaboratively
with the community and all local, state, and federal agencies to get it done as soon as we
possibly can. I support setting aside as much money as we possibly can in the Ward 2 Capital
Improvement Project budget each year until this issue is resolved. I also support seeking
grants that will expedite the clean-up process.
In conclusion, the site in question is designated as a Brownfield site. With everyones
cooperation, it will become a useable Greenfield site. This important issue is beyond any
blame. When the sludge was dumped, that was the condemnation. It is now our responsibility
to bring restoration. Now lets get busy for the common good, getting back to community
instead of fostering chaos.
Submitted Respectfully.