District 6 Cape Coral Council Member Resigns

Members:

Please see the message below from the City of Cape Coral regarding the resignation of the District 6 Council Member. The boundaries of the NWNA and District 6 are aligned, so this announcement is very important.

On Monday, August 16, Council will hold a special meeting to discuss the next step. I encourage you to watch the broadcast or attend the meeting.

John Bashaw

(920) 449-2000

Cape Coral City Council Member Rick Williams is stepping down. Mr. Williams submitted a letter of resignation to the city on August 12, 2021, which takes effect immediately.

"My most cherished contribution has been serving our future leaders, by initiating and working with the Youth Council," his statement read.

Williams plans to take this time to focus on his health and well-being. 

"I want to thank Rick for his contributions and service to the City and the Cape Coral residents," said Mayor John Gunter. "On behalf of the City Council, we wish him well." 

Rick Williams is a retired 26-year U.S. Navy veteran. He was elected in November 2013 and re-elected in 2017. His term was set to expire in 2022. 

Median Beautification Collaboration

Neighborhood Groups to Adopt Medians.

Members,
We thought you would all like to see this article printed in the Cape Coral Breeze on July 29th.

John Bashaw, President

Beautification Project

A topic that has gained quite a bit of traction in the city has been how to handle the aesthetic improvement of roadway medians.

A pair of Cape Coral neighborhood associations in the southwest and northwest areas are joining forces to help promote the expansion and beautification of city medians through the Adopt-A-Median program.

The Southwest Cape Coral Action Committee (SWCCAC) and the Northwest Cape Coral Neighborhood Association (NWNA) have combined efforts to participate in the Adopt a Median Program by establishing a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation, Friends of the Cape Coral Environment, Inc., for the program. Don Apking, director of the beautification committee with the SWCCAC, said the pact, and the sway it creates with their membership, is a way to get things going in regards to median beautification. "The Northwest is basically blank now and needs upgrading and the Southwest is a finish-off area that was started years ago," Apking said. John Bashaw, president of the NWNA, said their organization has always looked for ways to partner with the SWCCAC. "There's strength in numbers, so if we could find a viable project we can partner with them on, we could really be effective in making a change in the city," Bashaw said. The Adopt-A-Median program was started by the city to expand median improvements beyond the $1 million per year in the city budget. It relies on donations from residents and local businesses to fund the improvements on the boulevards and parkways that are not in the city budget. The city manager, city council, and Mayor John Gunter have expressed support for the program. Councilmember Dan Sheppard has been a vocal proponent of the AAM program, providing support to the neighborhood associations to help move the AAM projects through the necessary approvals required by the city, as well as sharing his expertise on plant selection. Apking said the major benefits of improved medians are an increase in the value of the surrounding real estate, as well as the civic pride that comes from working together on something that benefits the entire community. "By working together with our two organizations, we have 2,000 members between the two of us, it gives us some push and we've already gotten a lot of interest from businesses to donate to this," Apking said. Bashaw said Cape Coral Environment Inc. would do much more than just work on beautification of medians or on areas in the Northwest Cape, but the whole city in general. All donations are tax-deductible, and signs will be installed to recognize individuals, families, or businesses who become major donors. Contributions for AAM projects must be made out to "Friends of the Cape Coral Environment, Inc." and mailed to PO Box 53, Cape Coral, FL 33993.

Here We Grow Again - August Edition

Look at what is going on around the NW Cape this month!

We've been following the progress of an affordable housing project coming in the form of 96 apartments along the western edge of the Sam's Club property and east of the mobile home park next to Danny Yates. There will be three buildings of three stories each and will run in a straight line from north to south on the property. That project, by Civitas, is well on its way through the permitting process and should be breaking ground soon.

Affordable Housing Project

Now, there is a plan in the early stages for a totally separate apartment complex that will be going up to the east of the Civitas development. Known as The Club of Cape Coral, the complex will sit behind Culvers and the Med Express on the western edge of Sam's parking lot and will feature195 apartments.

The Club Location

When you combine these two projects with the 280 apartments of the Palms at Cape Coral, currently going up next to the Fox Studios, there will be 571 residential units in about a mile-long area popping up in a short period of time. It's a big plus for a city trying to provide for a growing population.

Below are some renderings of what The Club may look like

The ClubAnother view of The Club

In case you forgot or haven't been reading the signs along Burnt Store Rd., that groundbreaking activity you see on the south side of the 7/11 on Tropicana is for the Hideaway Storage Facility. It will provide about 74,000 sq. ft. of storage.

Hideaway Storage

Rescheduled Congressional Water Roundtable Notice

For Immediate Release
August 4, 2021Contact: Harrison Fields
(202) 225-2536

Congressman Donalds Announces Re-Scheduled Congressional Water Roundtable

CAPE CORAL, FL - Today, Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL) released the following statement announcing the re-scheduled Congressional Water Roundtable.

The Congressional Water Roundtable serves as an opportunity for the constituents of Florida's 19th Congressional District to share their concerns, hear from regional leaders and stakeholders, and discuss ways the federal government can allocate resources to preserve Southwest Florida's water quality. For more information, please visit my website.

"Ensuring the long-term health of Southwest Florida's waterways is my number one priority as the Congressman for Florida's 19th Congressional District. I am looking forward to collaborating with these prominent experts to explore ways the federal government can partner with local leaders to combat harmful algal blooms and preserve our water for generations to come."

WHEN:
August 10, 2021
6:00 PMWHERE:
Cape Coral City Council Chambers
1015 Cultural Park Blvd
Cape Coral, FL 33990WHO:
U.S. Congressman Byron Donalds
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Colonel Andrew Kelly
Director of Southwest Florida Water Management District Chauncey Goss
U.S. Department of Interior, Dir. of Office of Everglades Restoration Initiatives Adam Gelber

NWNA President's Message

Members:

Watch the president of the NWNA talk about membership growth, how he addressed our NW Cape concerns with Senator Rubio's staff, and more.....

Cyanotoxins in Air Study (CAST): Assessing Health Effects

Members:

One of our NWNA members is participating in this important study and invites all members to consider joining this study to help get a better understanding of the toxic effects green algae has on our health.

Thank You

John Bashaw, President

Cyanotoxins Study Information Flyer

More of Cape Coral's Economic Development Vision

July Here we Grow...
There is so much going on in and around Cape Coral that it's getting hard to keep track of all the players but here's a recap of what we've found over the last few weeks just in our general vicinity.Mello MushroomMello Mushroom

A preliminary plan has been submitted for a Mellow Mushroom restaurant on Pine Island Rd. on the east side of Gator Mike's Family Fun Park. If it sounds familiar, there's a Mellow Mushroom next to the Whole Foods store on Daniels Parkway and a number of them throughout the U.S. Each Mellow Mushroom is unique in its design and décor and frequently captures unique aspects of the local area.

Home for the Masons: The north side of Ceitus Terrace will soon see the construction of a new Cape Coral Masonic Lodge. The building will be about 4,900 sq ft. and will be located across the street behind the SW Pine Island Rd. Aldi.  

We last told you that the Luxury RV Park on Durden Parkway will be getting shovels back in the dirt for a Phase I project that will bring 144 RV lots. But in looking through the plans and stock shareholder reports, we found that the ultimate number of lots is projected to be 500 after all three phases of development there are complete. That's a lot of visitors who are going to demand venues for shopping, restaurants, and entertainment. The RV Park will certainly be a catalyst for developing those venues in our area.

Commercial Concept Plan

On about 20 acres of land at the southwest corner of Kismet and Old Burnt Store Rd., there's a land use/zoning change request to move the land to multi-family residential with a commercial node.

Pictured here is an example of what could go on the corner of Kismet and Old Burnt Store Rd. Yellow buildings would be commercial in this concept.

We've fielded some questions on what's being built across from Danny Yates Landscaping on the south side of Pine Island Rd. As we reported back in September 2020, it's a free-standing Emergency Medical facility run by HCA West Florida. HCA is based out of Tennessee and operates 186 hospitals and approximately 2,000 sites of care, including freestanding emergency rooms and urgent care centers. Fawcett Memorial Hospital in Port Charlotte is part of HCA.

An HCA facility similar to the facility going up on Pine Island Rd.Palms Development

Also, questions arose about the cleared land next to the Fox Studios on Pine Island Rd. That will be The Palms at Cape Coral which will consist of 280 apartments.

Things are going "swimmingly" on Skyline. On the east side of Skyline at Trafalger, there's a preliminary plan for a swimming pool complex covering 92 acres.

It will feature an 8 lane pool, a 3 lane pool, and room for a third pool in the future. There will be two buildings for offices, changing stations, showers, and pool equipment.

Swimming PoolCulvers Fast FoodSkyline is hopping.
We long ago told you about the Culvers being built in front of Home Depot on Skyline.

Now, across the street from Culvers, on the east side of Skyline, a Tire Kingdom is on it's way. 

Tire KingdomFarm Stores

Also on the east side of Skyline, across from O'Reilly's Auto Supply, a proposal exists for a Farm Stores drive-thru store, a unique franchise that's been around since 1957.

Drive thru and pick up order

Our own DRC Chairman, John Smart Updating Us

July Here we Grow...
There is so much going on in and around Cape Coral that it's getting hard to keep track of all the players but here's a recap of what we've found over the last few weeks just in our general vicinity.

A preliminary plan has been submitted for a Mellow Mushroom restaurant on Pine Island Rd. on the east side of Gator Mike's Family Fun Park. If it sounds familiar, there's a Mellow Mushroom next to the Whole Foods store on Daniels Parkway and a number of them throughout the U.S. Each Mellow Mushroom is unique in its design and décor and frequently captures unique aspects of the local area.

NW Cape Development Projects 2021

Luxury RV Resort Update

Members,

As we told you a few months ago, the new owners submitted a revised site plan based on the one that had been in place since 2018. This new plan is very similar to the original plan. It's important to recognize the resort will remain a Luxury RV Resort. Here's what we know: •       The property was sold to MHC LLC in Oct. 2020. •       It will now be known as The Resort at Tranquility Lake. •       It will be operated by Equity LifeStyle Properties Inc.

Lots are smaller than the original plan. The new plan does not include the cabin-like structures next to each lot. There will be no sales of lots, only daily, weekly and monthly rentals. Construction begins on Phase I soon.

Phase I consists of 36.26 acres for 144 motor coach sites, an amenity center, a welcome center with a gatehouse, a restroom/laundry area, a dog park, a common space, and private streets.

It will run along Durden Parkway and down Burnt Store Road to about the middle of the lake. It includes a rework of Durden Parkway at the developer's expense to improve the entrance/exit.

The property will be surrounded by a 9ft berm and landscaping with 1,345 canopy and palm trees. There will be 85 trees and 841 shrubs planted along Durden Parkway and 54 trees and 527 shrubs will be planted along Burnt Store Rd.Phase II and III will occur at a later date. You can expect additional updates as we receive information on this project.

NW Spreader Dredging Question

Hello Members,

One of our NWNA members, Francis Harrison, sent in a question that we didn't have the answer to, so we sent it to Michael Ilczyszyn, City of Cape Coral's Assistant Public Works Director and asked him to comment. We thought you would like to see the correspondence.

First is the member's question and below is the response to the NWNA from Mr. Ilczyszyn. In the correspondence, there is mention of dredging being an agenda item on an upcoming Waterway Advisory Board Meeting. When I see that item on the agenda, I will be asking members to attend the meeting and speak on the importance of dredging.

John Bashaw
(920) 449-2000

Dear Sir,

It becomes more obvious each week that the passageway near the old lock needs to be dredged. Further down the boat passageway near private homes, there is another bad area. It's indisputable that it needs attention and as the NW grows and there are many more boaters aren't we heading for a significant problem that will affect us all?

Shouldn't the city budget for dredging and address this problem? We all enjoy boating and I think we all would agree that it must be addressed in the near future. Perhaps you can give this some thought and plot a course of action that would be successful. This affects many of us and is very, very important.

Francis Harrison

John,

The bathymetric survey was performed a couple of months ago to determine the depths and volume of material to be removed. City crews are completing a couple of spots in the SE then will be moving to the NW Spreader at Sirenia Park. As far as the Matlacha portion there is no Army Corp permit for this work. One will be submitted in the future. Call me at your convenience to discuss if needed.

As you indicated this will be part of our upcoming presentation to the Water Advisory Board--program operations, permits, planning, funding, restrictions, and projects.

Have a great weekend.

Michael Ilczyszyn
Assistant Public Works Director

Introduction of new NWNA Brochure

Dennis Winchester describes the new Tri-fold Brochure and how he has been sharing it with local real estate agents and builders.

NWNA Parks Chairman Crystal Lake Update

Kevin Black gives us an update on the progress of Crystal Lake Park - 6/10/2021

Watch as our NWNA Parks Chairman, Kevin Black gives us an update on the future site of Crystal Lake Park in the NW Cape. The Park is located on Caloosa Parkway and will also be the starting point for a boardwalk that will go all the way to the city-owned property on Charlotte Harbor.

Our City's 50-year Vision Strategy Meeting

Public Input Meeting at Lake Kennedy Center

Members:

I attended a public strategy meeting at the Lake Kennedy Center on Tuesday evening. The event, hosted by the city, was attended by over 100 residents. There was a spirited
discussion on what the residents want the city to incorporate into the strategic plan.

The discussion was city-wide, but I was pleased to see so many of the topics that directly impact NW Cape Coral get attention. It was also nice to see familiar faces there. If you attended, thank you.

Here are two pictures from the event.

John Bashaw
(920) 449-2000

Read Mayor Gunter's Letter to the USACE

Lake O Release Request Letter

Members:

We are fortunate to have Mayor Gunter and others proactively addressing water quality in our canals and advocating on our behalf. Please take a moment to acknowledge the good work our city leaders are doing on this critical topic by sending an email with your comments to:
jgunter@capecoral.netJohn Bashaw
(920) 449-2000Mayor Gunter's Letter to Col. Andrew Kelly

Broadband Summary - COW Meeting

Internet Service Summary

Members,

A presentation was made to members of the Cape Coral City Council regarding the current state of broadband in the city. The Committee of the Whole (COW) meeting took place yesterday afternoon, in council chambers.

After making their presentation, their final recommendation was to pursue a public-private-partnership (P3) with one of the current ISP providers in our area, Comcast, Lumen (formally Centurylink), or Summit Broadband.

Following the Q&A period, the Council agreed to support the P3 option and directed them to immediately start the process of drawing up the contract documentation detailing the conditions for the RFP and timeline for implementation.

They all agreed that the need was immediate and the NW Cape would be the first area to receive service once the contract is signed.

The Mayor asked that the city have the final contract ready for the Council's final review and approval within the next six months.

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Here is the video from the COW Meeting showing the Citizens Input, the city's presentation to the Council, the full Q&A period, and the Council's final decision.

The NWNA wants to thank its members for helping to provide valuable feedback on the surveys we sent out on this important subject over the last four months. We also want to thank you for speaking at the COW Meeting yesterday and/or for sending emails to the Council expressing your personal thoughts and experiences with the current ISP providers. It made a difference! My special thanks to IT Director, Michelle Hoffmann and Network Manager, John Carrington, for helping to bring this to the attention of the city council members and for working with us on this important project. It just goes to show that, Together We're Better!

Internet Service Input Meeting

Members,

The city will present the current state of broadband in the Cape as we understand it, some information on the existing providers, and some options to consider for improving internet service in Cape Coral, especially in the Northwest.

Then, they will provide a recommendation and have a discussion and answer questions regarding each option. They would then expect the Council to give some direction about which option(s) they prefer to be pursued further.

The NWNA feels this is a very important meeting and we want to strongly encourage you and any other residents that live in your neighborhood or in the NW Cape that have struggled with slow or intermittent internet speed to voice your concerns.

Please consider the following:

• Attend the May 26 Council Meeting at 3:00 PM in Council Chambers to support this effort and if you feel comfortable doing so, speak during the 60-minute Citizens Input.

• Send in an email directly to the Council:
mailto:citycouncil@capecoral.netCOW Agenda

Your opinion matters and this is your opportunity to share it regarding internet service.

Click below to see a sneak peek at the presentation slides that the city will be showing in council chambers at Wednesday's meeting.

City's Broadband Presentation

Lake Okeechobee Water Release Request

Lee County Commissioners Send Letter to USACE

NWNA Members:

The Army Corps of Engineers needs to hear our voices and change the way they are managing Lake Okeechobee water releases.

Our precious wildlife, beautiful estuaries, and concerns with our own health are dependent on the timely, responsible releases of this toxic water into our Caloosahatchee Estuary. We would like to see more transparency and changes before they release any more water.

We understand that they are NOT responsible for the water quality, but we feel compelled to reach out and insist they alter the number of times and amount necessary to protect the families that live south of the lake.

Please take a moment to review the letter that the commissioners are sending to them and support their decision by adding your own comments and thoughts on this important subject with an email.

Thank you,
John Bashaw

The United States Army Corps of Engineers is currently writing a new playbook for how and when they send water our way from Lake Okeechobee, and it's not looking good for us.

Last week our Chairman, Commissioner Kevin Ruane wrote a letter to them imploring that they change their proposed rules. He stated, "All four plans that included decision trees appear to be varying levels of devastating for the Caloosahatchee Estuary. This is unacceptable." I want to thank Commissioner Ruane for taking this approach with the agencies that are supposed to be looking out for all interests during this process.

Clearly, we are at a point where they simply view Lee County taxpayers as a revenue source and a place to put their dirty water, and that's it. It's time that we unite as one voice and let the Army Corps of Engineers know that any balanced plan must decrease high volume discharges and increase optimal flows. We cannot continue to be starved for water in the dry season only to be deluged by high volume discharges weeks later as the rainy season arrives.

As they continue to draft this new playbook, it is very important that they hear from all of us. Please email:

LakeOComments@usace.army.mil and let them know how you feel.

New Development in Cape Coral - May 2021

Walmart ...... it's baaack!

In the recent past, we told you that the Walmart Supercenter once planned for SW Pine Island Road across from Bubbas was off the board and not going to happen.

For years there was no movement and the land was even advertised as being for sale. However, an advisory plan has been submitted to the city for a Walmart Supercenter in that very location.

Around 2015, detailed plans were moving ahead when Walmart stopped all activity. That should make it easy for them to pick right back up and fast-track the project this time around. We shall see.

I love the smell of coffee in the morning, it smells like . . . Daybreak Market

In the past, we had described all the plans for the intersection of Chiquita and Pine Island Road including changes in planning after ABC Discount Liquors of Orlando purchased the land on the northeast corner, just west of Aldi, and submitted a tentative plan for a liquor store and several small retail shops.

A site plan has now been submitted for the southeast corner, between Chiquita and Bob Evans restaurant. That plan is for a convenience store/gas station known as Daybreak Market and Fuel.

Daybreak Market & Fuel has at least 16 Daybreak and fuel-related LLCs registered in the state of Florida with two currently in permitting in Jacksonville and one that began construction in Port Charlotte in March with an expected completion date of August 2021.

The Cape Coral location will consist of a 7,188 SF convenience store, fuel pumps, and a restaurant w/drive thru.

There's more, coming to Chiquita and Pine Island Rd.
In between Daybreak Market and Bob Evans will be a new US Postal Facility known as the USPS North Cape Coral Branch according to a preliminary plan submitted May 20, 2021.

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The 86 acre property just off Embers Parkway and Nelson Road has completed a traffic study as part of the approval process for their development known as Embers Lakes.

This 1,310 unit multi-family complex of 4 story buildings has been in the works for several years and is now moving ahead in a big way. Plans also include 76 electric vehicle charging stations.

Bimini Basin development on the horizon

The Community Redevelopment Agency approved a non-binding letter of intent with Roers Development for a proposed development along the Bimini Basin.

Known as "Project Dolphin," the project will be a mixed-use development, with 185 apartments, a 375-stall parking garage, 25,000 sq. ft. of commercial space, a pedestrian promenade and an 8,000 sq foot waterfront restaurant with docks, boat slips and upgraded seawall.

The project will cost about $50 million. Approximately 700 combined construction (570 jobs) and permanent retail and restaurant jobs (120) are expected to be created for a project that could spur future development.

Project Dolphin would be built on the western edge of the basin, with Cape Coral Pkwy on the northern boundary. Groundbreaking is anticipated in late summer 2022 with completion by the end of 2023.

Roers, last year, completed construction of a $50 million, 319-unit multi-family development called "Cape at Savona," located on Savona Ave. just west of Chiquita Boulevard.

The Community Redevelopment Agency also entered into a letter of intent with Flaherty & Collins Development to develop the property between Cape Coral Parkway and SE 47th Terrace, SE 8th and SE 9th Streets.

The developer plans to use the entire block and construct a mixed-use building with approximately 280 luxury apartments, 18,000 square feet of commercial space; and a 525-stall parking structure with the first two levels reserved for public use.

Plans are expected to be submitted in the fall, with groundbreaking expected for Spring 2022. Amenities include a pool and courtyard, lush street landscaping, and possibly, outdoor dining.

NWNA Secretary Notes on Waste Pro May 6, 2021

My sources tell me that .......! Look and see what I found out this week!

Hello Members,

Did you know:

Waste Pro can be fined each time they do not pick up Yard Waste, Recyclables, Trash, or Bulk items at each address in Cape Coral on the day of the week they designated.

If you're like me, you hate to complain or report it to the city, but keep in mind that, they will not know the magnitude of the problem if you don't.

The City of Cape Coral is working very hard to solve this problem. To see the update shared at the City Council Meeting on Wednesday, click on the link below.

Waste Pro Update May 5, 2021

Although the city is levying fines of $250 up to $1,500 per incident, the incidents are not being fully reported to them. They need our help.

Let's make our NW Cape voices be heard!!

Report them each week when they fail to provide you service, as required by their contract with the City of Cape Coral. If they do not come by on the designated day of the week and pick up your:

• Trash
• Recycled Items
• Yard Waste
• Bulk Items

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Dial: 311 and report it to the city officials
orEmail: 311@capecoral.net
or

Report an Issue on the: Cape Coral Connect App there is a 'Garbage-Missed Pickups' option.

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Make sure to do it each week and give your Name, Address, and what was not picked up on that day.

Feel free to share this information with your Cape Coral friends and neighbors.

Together we're Better!!!

Stay Healthy!

Linda Stevens
Secretary for the NWNA
secretary@nwcape.com

Clean the Cape Final Comments

Val Jones explains how she was assisting the other volunteers and John Bashaw gives his final comments.