Here We Grow Again Update

August 2024 DRC News

 The Goodwill Store on SW Pine Island Rd., between Aldi and ABC Liquors, is set for a grand opening on August 26th with the ribbon cutting at 8:30 am.  The store will open soon after – approximately 9 am.  There will be a Goodwill Community Resource Center co-located in the new store providing free services which include digital skills training, resume writing and job search assistance, employability workshops, English as a Second Language classes, and more.

It's amazing how a building that big could be constructed in about half the time it takes to build a single home. But it's here. So, bargain hunters and DIYers rejoice and check it out on the 26th.

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In the same vicinity, The Shops at Del Mar retail plaza, across the street from Boater’s Paradise on Pine island Rd. is making huge progress. Papa Johns requested permits to build a store in one of the project's units.  No word yet on other tenants.

A retail center might be coming to Burnt Store Rd. N.

Developers submitted a pre-application for review of plans to build a 12,000 sq ft retail center on the west side of Burnt Store Rd. just south of Yucatan Pkwy.  No word yet on the retailer’s name.   As a comparison, Dollar General and Dollar Trees are generally 7,500 to 8,500 sq ft, so this would be larger.  Any retail or restaurant on Burnt Store Rd. will be welcome.  As soon as we find out who the retailer is we will let you know.

Coral Grove among Cape Coral Council actions enhancing future growth 

On August 7th, Cape Coral council approved several initiatives that City Manager Mike Ilczszyn and staff worked on to improve future opportunities as the city positions itself to meet the needs of a growing population.

These initiatives include the purchase of nearly 19 acres near the Bimini Basin development, the purchase of the vacant mid-city golf course, and the approval of an agreement with L&L Development Co. for the Coral Grove development in the NW Cape.

The  Cape Coral Grove agreement is unique because it includes a new way of doing things for the city.   Ilczyszyn said the city has created a first-of-its-kind project management delivery method never before used in the city with developers. (See video to the right)

He said the city is going to have dedicated reviewers and inspectors for Coral Grove within each department and division to accomplish a five-day turn around for all reviews. He added that the developer has agreed to compensate the city on an hourly basis for all actual time spent by the qualified assigned professional, or a team at the city, to meet these deadlines.

Ilczyszyn said once inspections are required, the city will further initiate a priority inspection team to perform on-demand and next-day inspections as required by the developer. The developer has also agreed to compensate the city for actual time spent performing such inspections.

As we’ve stated over and over, Coral Grove will be a defining project for the Northwest Cape.  Located between Bubbas and the electrical station on the north side of SW Pine Island Rd., the 131 acre project is expected to have a $1.3 billion economic impact on the city. Plans include retail spaces, entertainment venues, a hotel, luxury apartments and townhomes.  You can find out more info at coral grove.com or nwcape.com.

“The Cape Coral Grove development is a testament to our city’s commitment to partnering with forward-thinking developers,”  Ilczyszyn said. “This project will not only enhance the quality of life for our residents but will also attract new visitors and businesses, further solidifying Cape Coral as a dynamic and thriving community.”
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The purchase of 43 parcels sitting south of Cape Coral Parkway near Bimini Basin between Tarpon Court and Coronado Parkway  will create  the cornerstone of a comprehensive redevelopment project aimed at revitalizing the South Cape area.

“We are committed to breathing new life into South Cape,” said Cape Coral Mayor John Gunter. “This purchase is not just about acquiring land; it’s about building a vibrant, connected community space that reflects the future of Cape Coral.”

For those of you who have not been to that area recently, Bimini Square is nearing the topping-out phase of a $125 million, 218-unit apartment complex that will also feature a waterfront restaurant. The project should be finished by November 2025. Nearby, on the south side of Cape Coral Parkway, the Cove at 47th, an apartment complex with commercial space on the bottom floor and a huge multi-level parking garage, is nearing completion.  For anyone that’s lived in Cape Coral for any length of time, you know the city’s been trying for years to bring in projects around the Bimini Basin.

The purchase of the abandoned 175-acre golf course, north of Cape Coral Parkway along Palm Tree Boulevard, will take a blighted area and turn it into valuable greenspace and amenities for local residents.  This too has been on the city’s radar for many years.  Kudos to the City Manager, his staff and City Council for the progress they’ve achieved in moving the city forward with their August 7th decisions on these 3 projects.