The Club - Coming to Cape Coral

The Club is one of the projects coming to Cape Coral very soon. It will be located next to Sam's Club on Pine Island Rd and according to John Smart our DRC Chairman, it's going to be a pretty nice addition to our city!

Seven Islands Update - Here we Grow Again

SEVEN ISLANDS PROPOSAL UNVEILED

Soon you may have to say goodbye to the designation Seven Islands and get used to saying Gulf Gateway when describing the 47 acres west of Old Burnt Store Rd., roughly between Embers and Tropicana Parkway. On February 23, 2022, the Cape Coral City Council heard a proposal to develop the Seven Islands by Forest Development Acquisition LLC, who the city selected as the first-choice developer for the long-awaited project. The company has been in talks with the city since September 2021. The Forest project is known as the "Gulf Gateway Resort and Marina Village," mixed-use development with a hotel, restaurants, commercial and residential units, all in line with the D-1 plan approved by City Council in November 2016. The Seven Islands Zoning District, which was adopted in 2019 with input from the NWNA, restricts construction to 995 residential units with a maximum building height of 8 stories or 115 feet. It was intended to develop a multi-use neighborhood that fosters a sense of place and creates a destination environment in the Northwestern Cape. Council responded favorably to the Forest proposal with the caveat that incentives be crafted to bring commercial and hotel construction to the first stages of development as well as the residential component. Lawrence Zabik, project manager for Forest Development, said that adjustments could be made on some of the locations and some of the timing to accommodate Council desires. He said the D-1 plan was a good plan and that they will work with the city to execute that plan. The whole project, which will be done in phases, will take about 10 years to complete. Construction could start as early as late 2023. By its end, it will bring about 2,500 residents to Cape Coral. Forest Development is a team of real estate development professionals led by Peter Baytarian. Its responsible for the Nautilus 220, a 330-unit waterfront development in Lake Park, near Palm Beach. Mr Zabik said the Gulf Gateway project could be similar to Nautilus but remain within zoning restrictions.

Forest Development's Nautilus 220 in Lake Park, FL. Could Seven Islands be similar minus the height?

View from above of Forest Development's Nautilus 220 in Lake Park.

Forest Development estimates the project will generate about 9,500 jobs in construction and development, a total investment of $650 million, and an economic impact of $1.6 billion through jobs, incomes, and economic activities during the 10-year construction period. After construction, total jobs would be about 650 with 400 direct and 250 indirect.

The next step in the process will be for the city to declare the Seven Islands as surplus property and then approve a sale and purchase contract as soon as March/April. The council would then approve a development agreement for the project in June/July. As the project progresses, the city will meet monthly with developers to ensure open communications. This is similar to the relationship Forest had with Lake Park for the Nautilus development. Lake Park lauded the relationship in a letter of recommendation for Forest Development to Cape Coral.

The project team is comprised of 33 businesses all with extensive experience. Many are from the east coast such as R and N Architecture and Insite Studios Landscaping. Katz Construction out of Palm Beach, Coral Gables, and Tampa, has been responsible for multiple projects throughout Florida ranging from high rises in Miami and Palm Beach to three-story multi-family complexes in surrounding suburbs.

Some onboard locally are Hans Wilson Marine, out of Ft. Myers, which has been responsible for 320 marina projects including Cape Harbor and Burnt Store Marina. Avalon Engineering and Gates Construction are well known locally with a long list of accomplishments.   Scott Dunlap, who is a property developer and partner in this project, has a growing local portfolio that includes over 700 acres along the Burnt Store Rd. corridor and knows the area well.

NWNA President John Bashaw said he's excited about the project after witnessing the presentation and that it could be the gold standard for mixed-use development in Cape Coral. He admitted sentiment among Northwest residents is mixed with some for development and some against, though the majority want to see something go up as long as it's done in a smart and responsible way.

"It's going to be a long, ongoing process," Bashaw said, "but I'm convinced that all of the necessary parties are going to be a part of it, and we're going to wind up with a high-quality destination in Cape Coral."

Utility Expansion Project (UEP) Update

The City's UEP Project Master Plan Update

On February 23, 2022 City Council was updated by the Cape Coral Utilities Director on the final results of the ongoing Utility Expansion Project (UEP) Master Plan. If you remember from the November 2021 NWNA update on the UEP, City Council and the Mayor had requested that the engineers re-evaluate sequencing and scheduling of some of the areas planned for utility expansion.  This re-evaluation is now complete and the Master Plan is being finalized.  This memo gives you a summary of this Master Plan which will be the guidance document that the City uses for the entire UEP going forward.

All service areas are presented in the graphic below along with anticipated operational dates.  The second graphic depicts all projects expected to be complete by 2027.  Following the graphics is a brief summary of the Master Plan:

Service Areas and Anticipated Schedule

Projects Anticipated to be Complete by 2027

1.      North 2 is complete. 2.      North 1 is the next area to receive utilities. This area is currently under design and construction is expected to begin in late 2022. Construction will take approximately 2 years. 3.      North 3 will be the next area to receive utilities after North 1. This area is west of Burnt Store Road, north of the recently completed North 2 area, and extends north to Kismet Parkway. Design is expected to start this coming summer. Construction will likely start in late 2023 and be complete approximately 2 years later. 4.      Also expected to be completed by 2027 is an expansion of utilities north on Burnt Store Road to the city line. This allows the planned Hudson Creek development to move forward and will spur commercial development along Burnt Store Road and the western portion of Pine Island Road. Much of this expansion may be funded by the Hudson Creek project. Additionally, a new 22,000-foot sewer main on Veteran's Parkway will be constructed which is necessary for future sewer expansion. 5.      By 2027, the existing North Reverse Osmosis Water Plant (potable water) on Kismet Parkway will to be expanded from 6 to 18 million gallons per day (mgd) and the Southwest Water Reclamation Facility (wastewater) will be expanded to 20 mgd. 6.      Anticipated operational dates for the remaining service areas are as indicated in the top graphic. Additionally, a new Water Reclamation Facility (wastewater) will be constructed in the Northwest, adjacent to the existing North Reverse Osmosis Plant, to support sewer expansion in the years following 2027. Costs for the above projects through 2027 are anticipated to exceed $1 billion (yes…billion). Some of this cost will be borne by developers, but much will be borne by the City and the users of the system. The Utilities Department is requesting an annual 3 percent increase to user rates starting in FY 2023. Again, these costs are on a macro scale, and it's too early to speculate what each homeowner will pay, but it's likely that the users in North 1 and North 3 will be paying similar assessments as those paid in North 2. If you have comments and questions that you believe are appropriate at this point in the planning process you may email me at publicworks@nwcape.com. I will prepare a consolidated response of appropriate comments to the city. You may certainly contact your City Council Member directly if you prefer. Don Freeman, P.E. NWNA Public Works Committee

We've Added More Features to the NWNA Member App

Hi Members:

We have added more features to our NWNA Member App just for you. You will have direct access to NWNA and City of Cape Coral links:

• Website + City Links - NWNA, City Agendas, Zoning Map, Land Use Map (Both interactive)
• YouTube Channel - NWNA Channel, Cape-TV
• Facebook - NWNA
• Bulletins - Notifications
• Join or Donate
• Sponsors - Business contacts supporting our members

MORE

• Welcome to the NWNA
• About Us
• City Council - contact resources
• Ask a Question
• Photos
• Events

The NWNA Member App is free for anyone to download and can be found in either:

Google Play (Android)

or

Apple Store (iPhone)

(Click on the above link to download)

You don't need to be a member to download and use it, so let your neighbors know it's a great way to keep up with things going on in the NW Cape.

Don't miss out on anything going on in the NW Cape or with the NWNA. Check it out and see if it's a good fit for you.

Don't forget to rate us in the app store!

Thank You!

Linda Stevens, Secretary for the NWNA

secretary@nwcape.com

Important Meetings This Week!

NWNA Members: There are two important meetings this week that you may wish to participate in. First, as a reminder, an update on commercial development will be presented at the German American Club on Thursday, February 24, at 10:00 A.M. This update will touch on the focus of the NWNA and will present a deep dive into what commercial development is coming to Cape Coral as well as the process followed to attract new commercial development. Second, on Wednesday, February 23, at 2:00 P.M., a Cape Coral Committee of the Whole Meeting will be held to discuss the following: (1)         2022 Legislative Session Update (2)         Broadband Service Update (3)         Seven Islands Update (4)         Quarterly Grants Application and Management Report (5)         2021 Utilities Master Plan Update (6)         Severance Pay - Discussion Regarding Ordinance 18-22 (7)         City Charter Review - Follow up from 1/12/2022 Committee of the Whole discussion - Brought forward by Mayor Gunter (8)         Council Media Policy - Brought forward by Mayor Gunter Many of you have reached out to the NWNA regarding items 2, 3, and 5. I know they are of great interest to you. You may attend or watch the meeting, but we will provide updates to you on these topics after the meeting. John Bashaw (920) 449-2000

Save the Dates

Where: German American Club on Pine Island Rd

When: February 24, 2022

Time: 10:00 AM

---------------------------------------------------------------

Where: Cape Coral - Committee of the Whole

When: Feb 23, 2022

Time: 2:00 PM

Stonewater Development Update - John Smart

John Smart the NWNA DRC Committee Chairman gives us an update on the current construction being done at the corner of Tropicana Pkwy and Nelson Rd.

Here We Grow Again - February 2022 Edition

The NWNA DRC Committee has some updates to share!

Walmart, Town Center, and Seven Islands getting closer to reality

Cape Coral's Economic Development Office has put out their winter newsletter which describes development going on in the city and there's plenty of it that will interest you. Development city-wide is on fire and the Economic Development Office is finding the success many of us hoped for.

The full newsletter is below our highlighting of projects in the Northwest area that we have written about previously.

Walmart Supercenter, a 202,000 square-foot supercenter on Pine Island Road, expects to break ground in Summer 2022 and be completed in 2023.

The Seven Islands project in Northwest Cape Coral has selected a master developer and is negotiating the terms currently. A status update will be presented at a Committee of the Whole meeting in late February 2022.

Cape Coral Town Center, a 131-acre, mixed-use development on Pine Island Road, expects to break ground in late 2022. It will include medical, multi-family, retail, restaurants, and public entertainment area. The Town Center property runs along the north side of SW Pine Island Rd. from the electrical power station, east to Bubbas, and then up and behind the German American Club.

The Palms at Cape Coral is a 280 multi-family unit apartment expected to be completed by the end of 2022. This is the apartment complex going up next to the Fox News studio.

Fawcett Memorial Hospital broke ground on a 12,000 square-foot, free-standing emergency room on Pine Island Road and expects to be open in late 2022. This is across from Danny Yates Garden Center.

Lee Health purchased 57 acres on Pine Island Road for a future medical campus. Part of their purchase is the land that was destined to be an Amazon Distribution Center before the developer pulled out.

Beyond all that, check out the statistics for 2021. Wow!

Economic and Business Development Winter Newsletter

Florida's 8^th largest city was recently ranked fifth in the United States for mid-sized cities (100,000+ population) with the highest growth rates occurring between 2010-20. In that timeframe, we experienced a 30% increase in population, which is not surprising when you consider that each month we process approximately 400 single-family permits. We're happy to say that as we enter the new year in 2022, people continue to flock to Cape Coral.

City of Cape Coral Updates

The City of Cape Coral is experiencing growth and success heading

into 2022. Some of the highlights include:

• The population for Cape Coral was announced in October at 201,554, which is 30.62% higher than the City's 2011 population
• The unemployment rate dropped to 4.0 percent, remaining below the national and statewide levels
• New housing and commercial development in Cape Coral soared in 2021. New single-family and duplex residential building permits increased by 79.49% over last year, with a total estimated dollar volume of $893 million

Vacancy rates for retail, industrial, and office space remained at the low single-digit levels, 1.8 percent for retail, 1.6% for industrial, and 4.9 percent for office

On the commercial retail and multi-family end, the following developments either broke ground or were completed:  

• Aspire Apartments broke ground on a 319 multi-family unit apartment that is anticipated to open in 2023.
• Palms at Cape Coralis a 280 multi-family unit apartment expected to be completed by the end of 2022.
• Madison Square Apartments is scheduled to open an 82-unit senior apartment complex in South Cape in late 2022.
• Fawcett Memorial Hospital broke ground on a 12,000 square-foot, free-standing emergency room on Pine Island Road and expects to be open in late 2022.
• Encompass Health Rehabilitation, an 80-bed inpatient hospital, broke ground and expects to be completed in late 2022.

The Cove at 47th, a $70M mixed-use development in South Cape, expects to break ground in February 2022. This project will include 18,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space with a sky bar, 290 units of Multi-Family space, and a 525-space parking garage with 125 spaces for public use.

Bimini Square, a $70M mixed-use development in South Cape, hosted an Open House at Chester Street on January 26 for the public to ask questions and get to know the developer. This project will include 190 units of multi-family living space, a 625-space parking garage with 125 available for public use, 48,000 square feet of medical office for Lee Health, 3,000 square feet for Omelet House on Cape Coral Parkway, and a 7,500 square-foot waterfront Deep Lagoon Restaurant with boat slips. Roar Development answered questions regarding the development, which is expected to break ground in Summer 2022. Walmart Supercenter, a 202,000 square-foot supercenter on Pine Island Road, expects to break ground in Summer 2022 and be completed in 2023. Cape Coral Town Center, a 131-acre, mixed-use development on Pine Island Road, expects to break ground in late 2022. It will include medical, multi-family, retail, restaurants, and public entertainment area. Farmer Joe's, a 55,000 square foot, farm-fresh grocery store, opened on January 18, 2022. They have over 13,000 square feet of fresh produce, the largest fresh meat and seafood display in SWFL, fresh guacamole made on-site when you order, a sushi bar, fresh bakery, fresh deli meat and cheeses cut to order, beer and wine, fresh soaps, coffee, ice cream, and more! Lee Health has purchased 57 acres on Pine Island Road for a future medical campus, expanded services at their Surfside facility, is proposing to add 12 new ICU beds at Cape Coral Hospital, and is working to recruit more physicians to the area. Sprouts Farmers Market signed a lease to occupy 24,450 square feet of retail space (the old Staples location) located at 1780 NE Pine Island Road (next to Burlington Coat Factory). No projected opening dates have been released.

CapeCompetes Brings Potential for Performance-Based Incentives

On December 15, City Council approved CapeCompetes, a new Economic Development Incentive Fund of over two million dollars. There are five funding categories: 1.     Local Job Creation Incentive 2.     CreativeCape Arts Incentive Fund 3.     CapeCollaborates Small Business Partnership Program 4.     Business Infrastructure Grant Program 5.     Enhanced Property Value Recapture Grant All incentives are performance-based, and the project must contribute in a positive way to our community. We are currently working on the applications and processes and hope to begin accepting applications in Summer 2022.

Upcoming Development Projects

Seven Islands project in Northwest Cape Coral has selected a master developer and is negotiating the terms currently.  A status update will be presented at a Committee of the Whole meeting in last February 2022.

Office of Economic and Business Development Strategic Plan Update

The Office of Economic and Business Development will be issuing an RFP to update the City's Economic Development Strategic Plan.

NWNA Clean-the-Cape Event

Save the Date! NWNA "Clean the Cape" Day Join us as we work together to clean and beautify our neighborhoods.  Saturday, April 9,2022 8:30-11:30 am Watch for more details............!

The NWNA is partnering with Waste Pro, Keep Lee County Beautiful, and the City of Cape Coral to make our city beautiful. We will meet at Tropicana Park at 8:30 a.m. on April 9 to hand out t-shirts, bags, safety supplies, and answer any questions participants may have.  We will collect trash throughout the morning and reconvene at 11:30 AM for a pizza party and conversation. This is a great opportunity to help your community or to receive those needed service hours! Volunteers and Teams will be asked to register to participate so we can get an accurate estimate for Tee shirts and Pizza. But in case you are wondering why this is important, take a look at this graphic????

Cape Coral Social Club Meeting - Guest Speaker

NWNA Members:

Please join me at the next meeting of the Cape Coral Social Club. You may recall I spoke about this club at our membership meeting last December. I have been asked to speak at the upcoming CCSC meeting to be held at the German American Club on February 24, 2022, at 10:00 AM. Joining me will be Nita Whaley from the City of Cape Coral Office of Economic and Business Development.

I will speak on the NWNA's initiatives and Nita will update the group on Economic and Business Development in Cape Coral. Nita's material always interests the audience and provides insight on what development is coming to Cape Coral as well as the process followed to bring businesses here. You may also hear some interesting news on the 7 Islands. Don't miss it!

For more information on the Cape Coral Social Club and the upcoming meeting, please see their website and the latest newsletter.

Cape Coral Social Club Website Link

Cape Coral Social Club News Letter

I hope to see you all there. 

John Bashaw

(920) 449-2000

Save the Date

Where:  German American Club on Pine Island Rd

When: Thursday, February 24, 2022

Time: 10:00 AM

New RV Park in Cape Coral Florida - The Resort at Tranquility Lake Update

Hi Members:

I have an update on the progress being made at The Resort at Tranquility Lake.  I stopped to check out the site and decided to take a short video for you all to see.

Progress is certainly showing on this project site and the excitement continues to grow in anticipation of Phase 1 completion later this year!

Sources tell me that there will be a lot of amenities in this phase for example:

1. Welcome Center with gatehouse for security at the entrance
2. There will be three swimming pools at the Club House (a large building near the lake)
3. Boat ramps
4. Boats to rent for fishing on the lake
5. Pickleball courts
6. Green spaces
7. Laundry building (building at the end)
8. Dog park behind the laundry building
9. Patios for each RV pad

Wow! What a great year it's turning out to be for NW Cape Coral residents!

We are growing fast and are so glad to be sharing information with our Lifetime Members like you.

Together We're Better!

Stay Healthy!

Linda Stevens
Secretary for the NWNA
secretary@nwcape.com

Cape Coral Yacht Club Project Update

Please see the project update from the Cape Coral Office of Communications

The Cape Coral Yacht Club Community Park is preparing to undergo major construction as part of the Parks GO Bond improvement project. Closure of the entire Yacht Club Community Park, including the ballroom, beach, boat ramp, pier, pool, tennis courts, marina, and senior center, will begin on April 1. Closure of the park is required due to the extent of the construction and renovations taking place. Most of the park?s programs will be relocated to other facilities during this closure The renovation at the Yacht Club involves: Replacing the seawalls Replacing marina wet slips Demolition of the harbormaster building Demolition of the boat ramp Relocation of utilities Construction of a parking garage Construction of beach restrooms Construction of a new harbormaster building Construction of a new boat ramp While we understand closing the park will be an inconvenience to our residents and visitors, keeping portions of the park related to the aforementioned construction open would pose a safety risk to our visitors and residents that can be avoided by this temporary closure.   Planned park improvements are based on the City's Parks Master Plan and will transform the Yacht Club Community Park into a resort-style atmosphere. Construction is expected to take approximately two years. The privately-operated Boathouse restaurant will remain open during construction.  There will be a formal update to City Council on the Yacht Club Community Park construction and other Parks GO Bond projects in March. Stay informed! Check out the project website and sign up for the Yacht Club Project Newsletter online at https://www.ccyachtclub.com/ Residents with questions specific to the Yacht Club Project may call 239-574-0806 or email ccyachtclub@capecoral.gov.

Projects on Cape Coral Roads

Communication from Keith Long, District 6 Council Member

City Road Projects

City staff will be installing All-Way Stop signs at NE 6th Street at NE 19th Place and NE 6th Street at NE 25th Avenue intersections on February 7^th.  Message board signs will be placed one week prior to the installation and will remain for a week after the installation, along NE 6^th Street east and west of NE 19^th Place, and north and south of NE 25^th Avenue intersections to inform motorists.

City staff will be installing All-Way Stop signs at SW 15th Place and SW 13th Street on January 31^st. Message board signs will be placed one week prior to the installation and will remain for one week after the installation, along SW 15^th Place north and south of the intersection to inform the public. 

County Road Projects

Burnt Store Road going North to Durden Pkwy

Drivers should expect intermittent northbound and southbound lane closures during nighttime/overnight hours, weather permitting. Motorists should exercise caution while driving in the area as workers, flagmen, and equipment will be present.

The road improvements will occur along Burnt Store Road between 3942 Burnt Store Rd N., Cape Coral, FL, and going North to Durden Pkwy, Cape Coral through April 1^st, 2022.

Work to be performed includes but is not limited to turn lane, sidewalk, and road widening improvements. For more information, please contact Michelle Vaughn at 239-368-8000 or mvaughn@twnelsoninc.com

Burnt Store Road from Tropicana Parkway to Pine Island Road

Drivers should use caution while driving the area and expect intermittent northbound and southbound lane closures and intermittent traffic shifts throughout the project during nighttime/overnight hours, weather permitting.

This construction project consists of widening Burnt Store Road to four lanes, construction of a new bridge over Shadroe Canal, drainage installation, and lighting. The contractor is Wright Construction. The project is expected to be completed by fall 2022. For further questions, please contact Kris Cella at (239) 337-1071.

Del Prado Boulevard & SE 47th Terrace, Cape Coral

Lee County DOT, and their contractor American Infrastructure Services (AIS), will be installing a new traffic signal mast arm at Del Prado Boulevard & Southeast 47th Terrace. The is estimated to be completed by April 2022. For further information, please contact Ryan Kirsch at (239) 896-8074 or email LCDOTProjects@leegov.com

Midpoint Bridge Inspection

Florida DOT and its Consultant Volkert, Inc., will perform bridge inspections at the Midpoint Bridge. Inspections are scheduled to take place on Tuesday, January 18, 2022. During this period, there will be intermittent lane closures from 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM. Motorists should use caution, as there will be lane closures and personnel in the area. The weather may affect start times and dates. For further information, please get in touch with Avelino Cancel at (239) 533-9400.

Broadband Update and Secretary's Desk Notes for 2022

Hi Members: I want to update you with the latest information I have relating to the Internet Broadband being provided by Comcast that is coming to the NW Cape. My reliable sources tell me that.... "The permitting process is running very smoothly. The city and LCEC have been great about approving everything so far! At the moment we are still in Phase 1. I can't give you a timeline for Phase 2 (which is NW) at this point, but things are moving well! I should have a meatier update for you in a few weeks." Naturally, I will continue to provide any additional information to you all as soon as I have it to share. What else will we see happen in the NW Cape in 2022? Tropicana Park - construction starting in the spring Crystal Lake - construction starting in the early summer Updated Internet service - starting soon Boardwalk at Crystal Lake - construction starting Median beautification on Ceitus Pkwy starting very soon Clean-the-Cape Events - Spring & Fall Christmas Boat Parade - December The southernmost section of Burnt Store Road opening Wow! What a great year it's going to be for NW Cape Coral residents! We are growing fast and are so glad to be sharing information with our Lifetime Members like you. Together We're Better! Stay Healthy! Linda StevensSecretary for the NWNA secretary@nwcape.com

Interested in how the NW Cape will be Developed?

The recent City Council discussion on the property at Old Burnt Store Road and Kismet Parkway West is here for your review.  It's lengthy but worth watching if you are interested in how Northwest Cape Coral will be developed.  

Mayor Gunter's Request - City Notes

Hi Members,

Our Mayor has a request we think we can help him with and wanted to pass it on to our members.  Please take a moment to read his request and take action as he suggests.

Thank you in advance!

Linda Stevens, Secretary for the NWNA

Mayor John Gunter's Request

I would like to ask our community for help this weekend. As many of you are aware we are experiencing issues with horticulture and bulk waste pick up in our community. Our current level of service by Waste Pro is unacceptable and I am committed to getting this issue resolved.

If our residents can utilize our 311 system by phone or email to report any issue within our community it would be extremely helpful. We are trying to analyze the magnitude of this current issue, and more importantly, we want to know the specific address so we can get your issue resolved.

If you or your neighbor has any type of debris on the street please report it. Thank you in advance for your help in identifying the specific address of concern. Please share this message with your friends to help get this message out in our community.

Please continue to report these issues for the next few weeks so we may get this issue resolved. Council will be discussing possible alternative solutions at our next Council meeting.

Thanks!

City Notes - City of Cape Coral Communications'

A Message from Mayor John Gunter Happy New Year! Last January, I was appointed to be Mayor by our City Council, and being entrusted to lead this community is a great honor. As the New Year begins, let us reflect on the resiliency and spirit found in our community over the past year. The pandemic brought us unexpected challenges, however, it also highlighted the fellowship that exists in our great city. Both residents and businesses have been impacted by these challenges, but we have much to celebrate. Last year was one of our most successful years in terms of growth and development activity in Cape Coral. More than 4,000 new construction permits were issued in Fiscal Year 2021 and Census estimates expect our population to exceed 200,000. As your Mayor, I am committed to working with the City Council and our dedicated city employees to accomplish a full plate of projects, tasks, and goals this year. Together, we are excited to keep the momentum going with many projects and community improvements already in the works. The City's newest multi-year strategic plan will be finalized soon and will serve as the foundation for our future policy-making decisions. Public safety will remain a top priority in the new year with more staffing and new police and fire training facilities. Major improvements at the Yacht Club Community Park are expected to start this Spring, and construction is getting started at several of our new neighborhood parks. These construction projects are part of the citywide voter-approved initiative to expand parks and recreation amenities. Other plans for the new year include road resurfacing, canal dredging, sidewalk construction, median landscaping, expanded broadband services, alley paving, expansion of water, sewer, and irrigation services in the northern part of the city and the installation of bubble-curtain devices that will help to keep harmful algae in the River from entering many of our canals. Additionally, the City is working to bring good-paying jobs to Cape Coral in the new year. Your City Council recently approved an ordinance that will provide business development and job creation incentives to attract new jobs to the city. I am committed to working with residents, our business community, community organizations, and our state and local government partners to build a bright future for Cape Coral. I expect it will be a productive year for us and appreciate the ongoing support. Regards, John Gunter

Waste Pro is reporting staffing shortages due to COVID-19, and in response, the City of Cape Coral is advising residents they may experience delays in yard waste pickup beginning Monday, January 10. Cape Coral residents should continue to put out their garbage, recycling, bulk waste, and yard waste on their normally scheduled days. To help mitigate Waste Pro's current staffing challenges, the City has asked the company to prioritize utilizing the majority of Waste Pro's available staff on the collection of garbage, recycling, and large bulky waste items, and then yard waste. Residents should know: If you experience delayed service regarding yard waste, recycling, trash or bulky waste you are encouraged to report missed pick-ups to the City Call Center at 311. The City and Waste Pro are asking residents to be please mindful of the amount of yard waste they place at the curb and reduce it, if possible. Regular collections will resume as soon as collection crews are able to return to work. *These changes do not impact the switch to Same-Day Pick-Up or the Bulk Waste Drop-Off Site. Same-Day Pick-Up will commence Monday, January 10, and the Bulk Waste Drop-Off Site is scheduled to open Tuesday, January 11.

City employees here in Cape Coral have chosen to collaborate with and give back to the community in many ways. Their efforts benefit several outstanding local organizations that support people in need right here in Cape Coral. The Cape Coral Police Department gives back annually through its Fill the Boat Toy Drive, 3H Exchange Food and Toy Drive, Shop with a Cop Event, and Holiday Heroes Food Drive. The Cape Coral Police Department collected toys to provide to local children in Cape Coral in hopes of brightening their Holiday Season. The department raised over $2,600.00 in monetary donations and $100.00 in gift cards used to purchase additional items for families with teenagers. During Shop with a Cop, police officers were paired with local children selected through an application process, and a gift card was provided by the "Do the Right Thing Program" so that the children could buy a gift for themselves and a family member. During the 3H Exchange Food and Toy Drive, the Cape Coral Police Department had donation bins in the lobby of their headquarters where people could drop off donations for the 3H Exchange that went to homeless, in need students and their families throughout the Lee County School District. During the Holiday Heroes Food Drive, Cape Coral Police Officers were stationed at the city's two Neighborhood Walmart locations. They collected 2,673 pounds of food and $2,239.59 in cash for the Harry Chapin Food Bank. These donations will go directly to those in need right here in our area. Throughout December, the Cape Coral Fire Department collected toys and gifts for children in our community who have special needs, suffer from chronic illnesses such as cancer, are in foster care, or have families struggling with financial difficulties. Cape Coral Fire Department collected donations for boys and girls of all ages (newborn to 17 years). With these efforts, the Fire Department was able to give each of the children with the foster families a gift from the man in red himself at this year's Breakfast with Santa event in December. Finally, the entire staff came together in another initiative last month. The City of Cape Coral collected nearly 1000 lbs. of food during our recent employee food drive benefiting Cape Coral Caring Center, an emergency food pantry for SWFL and partner of the United Way. Our employees have joined forces with hard-working organizations and given back to the community in various ways. These are just a few. Cape Coral is a great place to live and work because of the relationships forged between our local city staff, key organizations with the mission to give back to those in need, and residents of Cape Coral.

Bulky Waste Now Included in Same-Day Trash Collection

Cape Coral is teaming up with Waste Pro to start the New Year with a clean slate.

Beginning the week of January 10th, bulk waste, garbage, recycling, and yard waste will all be collected on the same day.

Be a part of the solution, not pollution!

Learn More

Utility Bill Updates

There are some updates and improvements coming soon in the new year that will make it easier to access and manage all your water bill information in one place!

Stay tuned to our city website for more information at the link below

Learn More

Cape Coral Police Chief Earns Top Honor Congratulations to Chief Anthony Sizemore, selected by his peers as the Southwest Florida Police Chief Association's 2021 Outstanding Chief Executive Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. City Manager Rob Hernandez congratulated Cape Coral Police Chief Anthony Sizemore at our last City Council meeting in December on this well-deserved recognition.

Cape Coral Police Department Receives Award Cape Coral Police Department Receives Award The Cape Coral Police Department has been awarded CALEA Accreditation in Law Enforcement and Communications effective November 19, 2021. These awards remain in effect for four years, and the agency retains all privileges associated with this status during that period. CALEA Accreditation serves as the International Gold Standard for Public Safety Agencies. The process of CALEA Accreditation begins with a rigorous self-assessment, requiring a review of policies, practices, and processes against internationally accepted public safety standards. This is followed by an assessment by independent assessors with significant public safety experience. Additionally, public feedback is received to promote community trust and engagement, and structured interviews are conducted with select agency personnel and others with knowledge to assess the agency's effectiveness and overall service delivery capacities. A governing body of twenty-one Commissioners renders the decision to accredit following a public hearing and review of all reporting documentation. CALEA Accreditation is a continuous process and serves as the foundation for a successful, well-managed, transparent, community-focused public safety agency. To this end, an agency must maintain its accredited status by remaining in compliance with CALEA standards at all times. The Cape Coral Police Department continually demonstrates a commitment to professional excellence through accreditation. The CALEA Accreditation indices are the Marks of Professional Excellence and will be displayed proudly by the Cape Coral Police Department. We would also like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of Detective Jennifer Silko and Detective Morgan Mills. We appreciate their tremendous knowledge and consistency in preparing our department for this enormous task. See more from the Cape Coral Police Department's Newsroom Learn More Cape Coral Fire Department Holiday Wrap Up The Cape Coral Fire Department promotes two community campaigns during the holidays, "Keep the Wreath Green" and Toy Drive/Breakfast with Santa. Now that the holidays have come to an end, the Department would like to share the results of these important community programs. Keep the Wreath Green Each year the Department hangs a wreath of green bulbs at Fire Station 4 on Santa Barbara Blvd. Green bulbs are replaced by red if a preventable fire such as cooking, smoking, space heaters, candles, etc., occurs between December 1 and January 1. This is the ninth year of the campaign, and for the first time in its history, it ended with NO red bulbs on the wreath! While there were fires during this time, none were classified as preventable. We are so proud of the Cape Coral community for being vigilant about fire safety during the busy holiday season!!! Toy Drive Thanks to the generosity of the Cape Coral community, the Toy Drive and Breakfast with Santa holiday events were a huge success. The CCFD works with charities and individual families to give toys and gifts to children living in Cape Coral with special needs, cancer, and other chronic illnesses or lifelong conditions and their siblings. Our Fire Department gives to children in foster care and to children whose families are suffering financial hardships. This year 300 children received gifts, and, thanks to the incredible number of toys donated (over 2000!), each child was able to receive multiple age-appropriate gifts and stocking-stuffers to open…helping to make their holidays a lot brighter! Learn More

Bulk Waste Drop-Off Site for Residents Set to Open January 11th

The bulk waste drop-off site is a pilot program that will be implemented for one year.  After evaluating public response, the City will decide whether or not to open a permanent location.  The site will operate Tuesday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

The bulk waste drop-off site is located on the west side of the North Cape Government Complex. The address for the complex is 1200 Kismet Parkway; however, the bulk-drop off site entrance is off NW 14^th Avenue, at the western portion of the complex.

In addition, don't forget about the quarterly drop-off event located at City Hall, 1015 Cultural Park Boulevard, Cape Coral. It will take place on Saturday, February 5, from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. and provides residents an opportunity to bring and properly dispose of bulk items and chemical waste.

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Irrigation Water Storage Tanks Construction Begins

The SW Pine Island Water Storage Tanks project is currently under construction. It is located in an existing commercial area on Commercial Park Place, about one block north of SW Pine Island Rd. The project consists of two (2) 5 million gallon storage tanks and high service pumps to store and deliver treated irrigation water to north and west Cape Coral residents. During peak City watering times, irrigation piping alone does not hold enough water to meet residents' demands. Tanks and pumping facilities can store water during low demand periods and deliver them at the required pressures during high demand periods to offset peak demand.

The current project construction cost is $11.4M and is expected to be completed in the spring of 2022.

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Nicholas Parkway East Improvements Update

The city of Cape Coral is beginning a construction project to replace water mains and install new storm drainage along an approximately 1-2 mile area of Nicholas Parkway East from Santa Barbara Boulevard to Country Club Boulevard.  Other improvements consist of installing a new curb and gutter and wale work.  The roadway pavement will be reconstructed to help motorists better navigate the curves along the parkway.  Early offsite work includes constructing storm drainage improvements from Nicholas Parkway East north along SE 2nd Avenue, east on SE 10th Term north on Se 1st Pl, then east between the houses located on the south side of SE 9th Ter and Hunter's Run Golf Club.  More information will be mailed to residents and businesses in a project newsletter later this month.  We encourage you to visit the project website now at www.NicholasParkwayEast.com and sign up for construction updates.

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Parks and Recreation

GO Bond Updates

After breaking ground in the fall, the selected contractor, Waypoint, began park construction at Cultural Park and Gator Circle Park on Monday, January 3. The initial work will consist of setting up erosion and site control fencing and then performing any vegetative clearing and rough grading of the site. This work will be followed by the installation of storm drain pipes and detention ponds.

In addition, Cape Coral City Council received a quarterly update on the status of the entire Parks GO Bond during the Committee of the Whole (COW) meeting at City Hall on Wednesday, December 8.

--> See the GO Bond Quarterly Update from 12/8/21 Meeting

Much of the Council's discussion focused on the renovations at the Yacht Club Community Park, which are scheduled to begin in April 2022, and anticipated two-year park closure during construction due to safety concerns. For more details on the Yacht Club Community Park project, visit www.CCYachtClub.com.

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Parks and Recreation Winter/Spring Program Guide Now Available

Be sure to check out the new 2022 Winter/Spring Program Guide which contains details about all of the programs, day trips, and special events being offered in January-April.

In addition to the electronic version, a limited supply of printed copies are available to pick up at all of our Recreation Centers, Cape Coral's two public libraries and City Hall.

*  Note: The online version is completely interactive with over 300 links making it even easier to get details and register online!

Get the Guide

Your City Council Members

Cape Coral Social Club is Moving...

Members: The NWNA is partnering with other organizations in our city and the Cape Coral Social Club is one such organization. Those who attended the December 4, 2021, membership meeting may recall I spoke about the CCSC. I recently received an update from the CCSC and wanted to pass it along to you. Note that the home of the CCSC is located in Northwest Cape Coral. You can also check out the Cape Coral Social Club at capecoralsocialclub.org. John Bashaw (920) 449-2000

Cape Coral Social Club is now Located in the NW Cape!

After more than 30 years of renting space at the Cape Coral Yacht Club, the Cape Coral Social Club (CCSC) is moving in January 2022. Beginning with the Club's first dinner dance of the new year (January 15^th), the Club will be renting dance and meeting space from the German American Social Club at 2101 SW Pine Island Rd.

The CCSC is an amalgamation of several small clubs formed in the late '60s. These small clubs then banded together to form the CCSC. Some form of the CCSC has been active since 1968.

Established over 50 years ago as a nonprofit organization, the CCSC provides members with a friendly, welcoming place designed for fun, social activities, and community awareness. There are no residential requirements for members and nonmembers are welcome to attend meetings and dances. The public is always welcome.

The Club's activities include a monthly dinner dance, a monthly meeting with a relevant and interesting guest speaker, and many, many social activities. Activities include group dinners, historical & museum tours, Eco/Park/Preserve tours, sports events, craft projects, and much more.

The Club is also active in the community by supporting many local charities such as The Cape Coral Caring Center, Do the Right Thing, Cape Coral for the Children, Homeless School Children Toiletries Program, Ronald McDonald House, etc.

Information about the Club can be found on the web at: 

capecoralsocialclub.org

or

facebook.com/CapeCoralSocialClub

New Waste Pro Changes

Bulk Waste Now Included in Same-Day Pick-Up!

Hi Members

Bulk Waste Now Included in Same-Day Pick-Up!

Starting the week of January 10, 2022, bulky waste, garbage, recycling, and yard waste will all be collected on the same day for Cape Coral residents.

Residents with questions are encouraged to call the 311 Call Center or Waste Pro customer service at 239-337-0800.

For more information or to find your waste collection day, please click on the Waste Pro Map below or call the 311 Call Center.

Waste Pro Map

Advertising Information

We have extended an advertising opportunity to member businesses in our area. If you don't have a business but know of a business that would like to advertise, please forward this information to them.

For now, the program is open to businesses that are in the "Northwest Cape" section of the city. Space is limited and priority is given to NWNA Cape Member businesses.

Please fill out the application form below to be added to our Sponsors page and send a digital image of your business card to: treasurer@nwcape.com.

Application Form

Rate: $100/yr.* Annual Sign-up period:  January 1 to February 1 of each year. *Any business wishing to become an NWNA Sponsor after the annual sign-up period has ended can do so, and the fee will be prorated accordingly. Details: ·     The advertising cycle runs from February 1 to January 31. ·     Advertisers may provide a business website link for inclusion into their ad space. ·     NWNA will encourage sponsor page traffic through social media posts.

Parks Committee Update

Members, We thought you would like to see an update from Kevin Black, your Parks Chairman on the Yacht Club construction, and two of the parks coming to the NWCape. Cape Coral Yacht Club - During the City Council's Committee of the Whole meeting on December 8, 2021, staff provided an update on the planned renovation of the Yacht Club as well as a Parks GO Bond update. The city has decided to close the entire Yacht Club Community Park, with the exception of the Boathouse restaurant. This includes the public beach, pier, boat ramps, tennis courts, public restrooms, community pool, Tony Rotino Center, and Godman Yacht Basin. The primary reason for closing the Cape Coral Yacht Club Community Park is safety. The renovation will involve the demolition of structures, replacement of walkways, relocation of utilities, large barges in the water working on the new seawalls, and a lot of heavy construction and equipment. Trying to operate the facilities during that time would present significant safety risks to residents and visitors that the City is not willing to accept. Tropicana and Crystal Lake Parks - Both projects still need the Army Corp of Engineers, permit approval, and replat of the project sites, which is required prior to construction. Construction is expected to begin in April 2022. Festival Park - Phase 1 of this project still needs site development permit approval, final construction bid packets, and project specifications. Utility relocation must also occur before the project can be bid. It also requires a replat of the site. Construction is expected to begin in June 2022.  Kevin Black