Commission hears dispute over Costco traffic light easement and FDOT involvement

Commissioners on April 28 addressed complaints circulating on social media about a traffic signal installed for a new Costco and whether the contractor or developer obtained an easement from an adjacent property owner.

Why it matters: The dispute raises questions about the division of authority between state transportation officials, county maintenance responsibilities, and local review of development approvals.

Commissioner Reid raised the issue in public remarks, saying residents had reported that an easement for signal equipment “may or may not have received signatures” and that a neighbor complained about not receiving promised landscape upgrades and having the signal arm encroach on his property. Reid asked how the city’s approval process interacts with state permitting and whether the city can enforce easement-related promises.

City Manager Mike Mortel (referred to in the meeting as Mr. Mortel) replied that FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) handled the traffic-signal warrant and permit and that FDOT told the city it had the necessary easements. Mortel described a negotiation the developer had with the neighbor in which the developer reportedly offered to buy a four- or six-foot easement and hold payment in trust while a legal challenge was pending; when the neighbor declined, the developer modified FDOT plans and relocated equipment so that no easement on that neighbor’s parcel was required.

Mortel said the city had received no formal complaint from the property owner. He added that the arm of the installed signal had been set so that it extended about a foot over the property line in one instance, which the developer corrected after the neighbor raised it. He urged the concerned resident to follow up with FDOT and said the city would also check with FDOT if the resident files a formal complaint.

Public comment on the matter came from Robin Cartwright, who said she had documentation, texts and emails showing negotiations and disputed claims that the homeowner signed off on the light’s placement. Cartwright said an as-built survey had been requested and that the installed light once “hung over this guy's property by a good 4 feet overhead.”

What’s next: Commissioners indicated they would follow up with FDOT and encouraged the resident to file a formal complaint with the city if they wanted the city to act. The city manager said he would start inquiries with FDOT this week.