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

NWNA Presidents Message

Members:

Cape Coral is fortunate to have a local organization dedicated to rebuilding the forest canopy and creating an environment for plants and animals to thrive.

Future Forestry is the organization responsible for the great work done on Veterans Memorial Parkway and streets intersecting it such as Chiquita and Skyline.

I'm happy to announce that Future Forestry will be planting trees on the new Burnt Store Road Expansion this Saturday. I realize it's short notice, but I wanted to let you know the NWNA has connected with Future Forestry and I wanted to alert you of this project in Northwest Cape Coral.

If you are in the tree planting area on Saturday, please thank the volunteers from across the city who are working hard to make this an even better city to live in. The Future Forestry website can be found here:

futureforestry.org

John Bashaw
(920) 449-2000

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.

Clean the Cape Event Pictures

On April 24, 2021, the NWNA hosted the 'Clean the Cape' event in partnership with the City of Cape Coral, Waste Pro, and the 'Keep Lee County Clean Organization'.

As you can see by the pictures below, it was a tremendous success.  Volunteers came from all over to pitch in, any way they could to help make our city beautiful again!

The NWNA Board of Directors would like to thank each person that made a contribution of their time, personal effort, support, and that helped us to organize this important event.

[custom-facebook-feed album=266313315226802 albumcols=4 num=100]

Irrigation Ordinance Summary - Cape Coral 2021

Here is the summary, written by our own Public Works Chairman, Don Freeman.  He explains the ordinance in detail and gives us answers to some questions we may have had.

On April 17^th the City held a Town Hall meeting to present the initial recommendations of a proposed Irrigation Ordinance. 

The meeting was held by City Council Member Tom Hayden and Utilities Director Jeff Pearson. The following is a brief summary of that meeting.

The city operates a reclaimed water system throughout the city where public utilities exist. Reclaimed water is treated and disinfected effluent from the City's wastewater treatment plants (or Water Reclamation Plants). The reclaimed water system is connected to both residential and commercial irrigation systems throughout the city.

Currently, the reclaimed water demand is significantly higher than that available for several months during the dry season. To address this deficit, the city supplements the reclaimed water system with fresh canal water.

This approach has its own disadvantages as it lowers canal levels and the groundwater table in areas. In the future, the system will be supplemented by 6 million gallons per day of reclaimed water from Fort Myers once the pipeline across the Callahoosahatchee River is constructed. Still, reclaimed water demand is expected to outpace supply.

Conservation is one way to partially address this deficit. An Irrigation Ordinance has been proposed because it is estimated that 50% of irrigation water is wasted through evaporation, wind transport, and runoff. This ordinance is only in the draft stage and not expected to be enacted until at least 2022.

First, the ordinance would only impact new or significantly expanded irrigation systems. Existing irrigation systems will not be impacted. The ordinance would require that the new irrigation system be designed and installed with conservation in mind. New features would include separate zones for grass and planting beds (since planting beds require much less water), and mandatory rain sensors, wind sensors, and soil sensors which would only allow the system to operate when needed.

The new irrigation systems would require a permit from the city and inspection once the installation is complete. These so-called "Smart Systems" would then be exempt from the 2-day per week watering limitation.

Again, existing systems would not be subject to this new ordinance. However, if a homeowner wanted to upgrade their system to a "Smart System" they too would be exempt from the 2-day per week watering limitation. Existing irrigation systems that are not upgraded will still be required to comply with the 2-day per week limitation.

While it is not expected that this ordinance will solve the supply deficit, it is one way to help reduce it. This ordinance will be vetted by the city over the next 6 months or so and further details will be forthcoming.

More 'Clean the Cape' Details

John Bashaw provides us with more details about this event.

Clean-Up the Cape Day Event

Save the Date.

The NWNA is holding a "Clean the Cape" event at Tropicana Park on April 24. We are partnering with Waste Pro, Keep Lee County Beautiful, and the City of Cape Coral to make our city beautiful again. We will meet at Tropicana Park at 8:00 a.m. on April 24 to hand out t-shirts, bags, safety supplies, and answer any questions participants may have.

This event is unique in that we will have a Bulk Waste and Yard Waste drop-off site at Tropicana Park as well. Plus, some equipment and helpers will be there to assist.

This is a chance to get rid of all the eyesores in Northwest Cape Coral. If you have a truck or trailer and can help your neighbors get rid of waste, please do so. Please start thinking of how we can come together as a community and clean this mess up. I'm embarrassed to show guests my city.

Yes, we have a waste collection service that should be taking care of this problem, but let's partner with them and get this done! We won't clean up all of Northwest Cape Coral this first event, but big things get done in little steps.

Please be a part of the solution. I know many of you are already picking up trash and I greatly appreciate that. This Clean the Cape event is intended to support you and help make an even bigger impact.  I want Cape Coral to be known as a clean city - the cleanest in SW Florida.

Want to help?

WastePro Action Plan Update

Waste Pro Update from City Council Meeting Explained by NWNA President, John Bashaw. Listen to the final results.

New Federal Boating Law Starts April 1, 2021

Engine Cut Off Switch Requirements

A new federal law requiring the use of Engine Cut Off Switches for some boats built in January 2020 or later goes into effect April 1, 2021. It applies to some boats less than 26 feet operating at plane or above displacement speed. Some boats are excluded.

Read the attached article for all of the details and check to see if your boat requires an Engine Cut Off Switch. Also, check out the US Coast Guard website in the article's link for more information.

Please make sure to read the entire BoatUS article and the US Coast Guard FAQs in the Bulletin Link. It's the safest way to ensure compliance and avoid a citation. Bottom line - if you have an Engine Cut-Off Switch on your boat, use it!

New Boating Law Requirements

Cape Coral's Economic Development Vision 2021

"Capeable Lifestyle" introduced to City Council

"Capeable Lifestyle" was unveiled as a new ad campaign by the City's Economic Development Office at March 26, 2021, Committee of the Whole meeting.

In conjunction with the tagline "Cape Coral…flowing with opportunity," the campaign is designed to bring more visibility to Cape Coral to attract new, relocating, and expanding businesses.

You may likely see these phrases being used by local businesses soon throughout the city.

'Capeable Lifestyle'"Capeable Lifestyle"

"Flowing with opportunity" is open-ended enough for businesses to think of the opportunities in the area but also plays off the water access Cape Coral is known for.

The first ad will appear in the Urban Land Institute magazine, with a readership of 45,000 and an online presence that reaches 500 thousand annually. An E-Newsletter banner sent out March 22nd, with a link to the Cape's EDO already doubled site visitors.

The city is working with the Urban Land Institute in short and long-term strategic planning for Cape Coral. Creating an identity is one of the main short-term goals and there is much more to do in that regard.

But for now, Council Members seemed pleased with this initial step.

There's been a lot of questions about the Myriad Luxury RV Park at Durden Parkway and Burnt Store Rd., including some of the properties north of the site.

The Myriad development has been on hold for about a year, but things have been going on behind the scenes. The site was sold to MHC Development, LLC, of Chicago in October. MHC operates several mobile home and RV sites throughout Florida.

A new site plan was submitted to the city on March 26, 2021, so it appears that work will resume and we'll be able to see the development taking shape soon.

The new plan calls for a Phase I consisting of 144 lots along Durden Parkway and down Burnt Store Rd. to about the midpoint of the property. Included in the plans are amenities like tennis and pickleball courts, a pool, and a clubhouse. There will also be a welcome center.

Lots in the initial plan in 2018 were 57 feet wide but included cabins on the lot. Current plans call for a 37-foot width per lot with no cabins. The remainder of the property will be developed at a later date.

Myriad Sign on Site of the ProjectMyraid Site Aerial View

As for recently rezoned properties on Burnt Store Rd. north of the RV Park, on-line rumors discussed a potential Publix on one parcel and a restaurant and office complex on another.

However, any business needs a large customer base nearby and, even with Burnt Store Marina close, it may take a successful RV Park and additional residential development in the NW Cape to warrant that kind of investment north of Durden Parkway.

In fact, one of those recently rezoned properties (the one on the north side of Durden Parkway across from the RV Park) is currently up for sale.

Youth Council Boardwalk Approval

President of the NWNA, John Bashaw, updates the members with good news about the proposal presented to the Cape Coral Youth Council for a Nature Walk from Crystal Lake Park to Charlotte Harbor.