General Meeting October 10, 2023

NWNA General Meeting ("Open to All") October 10, 2023

Northwest Regional Library

519 Chiquita Blvd. N. Cape Coral, FL 33993

October 10, 2023 - 6:30 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.

Mayor Gunter

With Guest Speaker: Mayor John Gunter!

Guest Speaker - Mayor John Gunter
Presenting: "A Shared Vision of the Future of The NW Cape"

Mayor John Gunter

Meeting Agenda:

Committee Reports:

Don Apking, UEP Committee

New At-Large-Member

Don Apking - UEP Public Works Committee

• Lessons Learned and Information Package

Development Review Committee Chairman

John Smart

• 7 Islands Project "Gulf Gateway" update

• Coral Grove "Town Center" update

Waterway Committee Chairman

John Bashaw 2

John Bashaw

• Key Ditch Rock Removal

• Key Ditch NW Trail -Two Pines to Crystal Lake

• Minimum Wake Buoys N Spreader

Mayor John Gunter

John Bashaw, Waterways Chariman

Guest Speaker

Mayor John Gunter

"A Shared Vision of the Future of NW Cape"

NWNA President's End of Meeting Comments

Jerry Smith

• Promotion of NWNA Community Social on Nov. 9th!

"Meet and Greet new neighbors, developers, elected officials, city staff,

and business community leaders who are shaping the future of NW Cape"

Jerry Smith, President

Join us to learn more! - Together we're Better!

General Meeting Summary May 2023

General Membership Meeting RECAP- May 2023

Once again, in my office at 7:02 AM sipping coffee and reminiscing about our meeting the other night. My first Open Public Meeting as president and we attracted more attendees than expected. New rows of seating seem to appear in the blink of an eye, just before commencement. Thank you all for pitching in! I noticed the press, some new faces, neighbors, and family members. These gatherings are so important for our members and residents to obtain "unfiltered and pure information" on important issues impacting our way of life in NW Cape.

Jerry Smith, President

Click the link below to see the video of our meeting

General Meeting Summary May 2023Michael Ilczyszyn, Interim City Manager

Interim Cape Coral City Manager, Michael Ilczyszyn, provided answers. He handled all our questions in a lighthearted, cordial way. This resonated with the crowd. It did not take long for everyone to settle in.

Michael was invited to present a new interactive map outlining economic development projects in the city which was recently released out of his office. This is a tremendous asset for our Development Review Committee. Progress of development projects can be followed daily. Upon completion of the presentation, Michael graciously agreed to stay with us for the entire meeting. This was much appreciated. He jumped back into many discussions and was invited to close out our meeting. He smiled.

Link to Interactive map Click Here

Our members were delighted by the announcement of the formation of the NW Cape Waterways Action Committee, led by our immediate past president of NWNA- John Bashaw. This committee was formed to respond to the overwhelming request of our members to create a direct access pathway (EXIT) from the North Spreader Canal directly to Charlotte Harbor. John's presentation discussed three options under consideration.  It was agreed that all three options are needed however, option 1 presents the least path of resistance and will be the focus for the near term. The path for Option 1 may be viewed using the link below:

Link to Option 1 Path

John Bashaw, Waterways Chariman

John's presentation included an immediate request for funding from members and the business community to remove large rocks blocking boat egress in the KEY DITCH. A contractor has been secured to provide this service. The Key Ditch was utilized prior to Hurricane Ian by (shallow draft) boaters to directly access Charlotte Harbor. The entrance to Key Ditch is located just south of Jacaranda Parkway in the North Spreader and the exit to Charlotte Harbor is at Two Pines Channel. A Request for a Proposal from a qualified contractor will be pursued to prune and trim mangroves hanging in the Key Ditch waterway. This work and other maintenance will be pursued under a maintenance permit held by the city. Installing Paddling Trail markers to identify The Calusa Blueway Trail can also assist boater navigation departing the Key Ditch and entering open areas and islands approaching the Two Pines channel to Charlotte Harbor. This project can benefit kayakers and boaters of Cape Coral and all of Lee County.

If you would like to contribute toward the NORTH SPREADER WATERWAY EXIT, please contact John Bashaw or myself, directly. Contact Jerry or Contact, John

Again, special thanks to the Interim, Cape Coral City Manager, Michael Ilczyszyn for attending and remaining on site after the meeting to handle many one-on-one discussions. Much appreciated! Having Michael Ilczyszyn at the meeting gave him the opportunity to understand our needs and to educate us on the jurisdiction of our waterways, and the limitations and opportunities involving this project.

Kind regards,
Jerry Smith, President-NWNA[video mp4="https://nwcape.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/May-2023-Regular-Meeting_Final.mp4" poster="" ][/video]

NWNA General Meeting Summary - March 14, 2023

Presidents General Membership Meeting RECAP

March 14th, 2023 - Northwest Regional Library, Cape Coral

I am at my desk enjoying a cup of coffee this morning, following a very successful meeting last evening.    The meeting was a success mainly due to the fact; I made it out alive.    All kidding aside,  your passion and voices were heard and were truly welcome.

If you attended this "Members Only" meeting,  it is my hope that you left with a renewed spirit.  This morning, I was elated to find a few emails from members who want to volunteer on committees.

Ahead of this meeting, NWNA prepared and tabulated the results of our 2023 Focus Project Survey which highlighted; Utility Expansion, 7 Islands, NW Spreader Exit, and Beautification.  NW Spreader Canal Exit was the #1 Top Priority and received the largest margin of votes.  Winning easily by a three-to-one margin.

My highlights from the evening:

• As the night progressed, we came together as neighbors. 
• The show of hands in the room overwhelmingly supported and validated the results of our survey, moving the NW Spreader Canal Exit into the #1 position and primary NWNA Focus Project for 2023.  Overwhelming vocal support. 
• Watching the emotions and reactions of our members ranging from disbelief and euphoria during an extensive Development Committee presentation revealing renderings of the many large projects coming to the Pine Island Road Corridor. 
• Members responding to our need for additional help and willingness to come together more often.

I must admit, going into my first meeting as president……I had no idea what I was getting into.   Just before my introduction, I left the podium to welcome my wife seating in the crowd.   One gentleman mentioned to my wife "you may have to go up and save him".

The evening was a success.   Our simple goal was to extract the collective voice of our members.   The only way we could achieve this was to create an atmosphere in which people felt comfortable speaking freely.

I believe we accomplished this. I look forward to our next meeting which most of us felt should be more frequent.   More social events will be planned and seem to be well received.   

Thank you for coming out in support!

Jerry Smith, President NWNA

Meeting Slides

Video of Meeting

Thank You for Watching!

NWNA Meeting Summary - Dec 4, 2021

John Bashaw President of the NWNA, gives us a summary of the Regular Meeting that took place at the future home of Tropicana Park on Dec 4, 2021.

NWNA Regular Meeting - Welcome Back!

Come Join Us and See what We've Been Working On

Save the Date When: Saturday, Dec 4, 2021 Where: Tropicana Park Time: 10:00 AM What to Bring: Hat with a visor, a Lawn Chair, Water, and an Umbrella for shade if you wish.

Dear Members:

Our next membership meeting is scheduled for December 4, 2021, at 10:00 AM at Tropicana Park. The 90-minute outdoor event will be a great opportunity for us to connect again and for me to update you on the priorities we agreed to at our last meeting. I'm pleased to announce our Mayor, John Gunter, will be our guest speaker.

During the meeting, we will update you on progress on our top initiatives, announce the results of our officer elections, and bring you up to speed on many of the developments in NW Cape Coral.

I hope to see you all there. I promise you will leave with the information you did not have when you arrived.

John Bashaw

(920) 449-2000

Guest Speaker

Mayor John Gunter

Here is what we plan on discussing at this meeting:

Utilities Expansion Project (UEP)

7 Islands

North Spreader Waterway Exit (Feasibility Study)

Beautification, Safety, Lights, Walkways, etc.

Internet Upgrades

Park Updates

Boardwalk

Medians

Clean-the-Cape Event

We have all been very busy and can't wait to share what we've been doing.

More 'Clean the Cape' Details

John Bashaw provides us with more details about this event.

Seven Islands Clean-up Event - Presidents Recap & Upcoming Members Meeting.

John Bashaw, President of the NWNA (Northwest Cape Coral Neighborhood Association) review details from the 7 Island Cleanup Initiative and talks about how the City of Cape Coral will be involved at the next NWNA Member Meeting.

2020 Officers

Officers Elected for 2020

During the Annual Meeting of the NWNA, held November 14th, the following persons were elected for 2020:

• John Bashaw, President
• Dennis Winchester, Vice President
• Linda Stevens, Secretary
• David Marazon, Treasurer

Important Meeting - September 26th

Important General Meeting - September 26, 2019 @ 7:00 PM - doors will open at 6:30 PM for networking.
Christa McAuliffe Charter Elementary School Cafeteria
2817 SW 3rd Lane, Cape Coral

Tentative Agenda Items:

1. 1. Meeting Sign-in and Networking
   • Participate in our 50/50 Drawing. Tickets are $1 each or seven for $5. Please bring the exact amount.
   • Pay your 2020 dues. Dues are $15 (annually) through December of the following year (2020). Please bring exact cash or a check (made payable to NWNA, Inc.).
   • Buy an NWNA T-shirt for $16. Please bring exact cash or a check (made payable to NWNA, Inc.).
   2. Opening Comments by Interim President John Bashaw
   3. Nomination and Voting processes for NWNA Board positions (in preparation for November elections)
   4. Vacant Positions:
   • Preident
   • Vice President
   • Membership Committee Chairperson
   5. Project Updates
   • UEP
   • 7 Islands Project
   • Myriad Luxury Motor Coach Resort
   6. Conclusion of Meeting