Naples residents worry about Wilson Boulevard extension.

On Monday, Collier County conducted a public meeting to discuss extending Wilson Boulevard in Golden Gate Estates. The county has studied the concept for years to alleviate traffic as population grows.

The extension may reduce Golden Gate Boulevard congestion and increase emergency vehicle access, but it may cut through a community that does not want significant development in their backyard.

The county says a prior study revealed three potential road alignments, but not everyone agrees, according to a recent article by Mahmoud Bennett of FOX4

“I don’t want trucks on this street.” Wilson Boulevard resident Carol Ericsson called it an excellent neighborhood. Having lived on the street for over 30 years, Ericsson believes the extension will disrupt her peaceful neighborhood by breaking through the dead-end.

Years ago, Ericsson and her boyfriend, Jerry Barkley, opposed a bridge at Wilson Boulevard’s end. They think extending the road will be noisier and prefer widening Golden Gate Boulevard.

“I moved here in 1990 and could tell when it was season.” Barkley said it felt busy year-round. “They develop more homes and companies, and it becomes worse,” he said.

The county is investigating the project’s environmental impact and funding.

The county said the research will develop a preferred conceptual alignment and specifications to connect Golden Gate Boulevard East and Collier Boulevard.

In spring 2025, they will present a final design to the Board of County Commissioners with neighbor input.

This article originally appeared on FOX4