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NWNA PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
March 2024 General Membership Meeting and NWNA Strategic Development Plan for North Zone 3- Utility Expansion Project (UEP)

Our Finest Hour:

Reflecting on the evening of March 5th, I thought this was our finest hour.   Our committee’s reports were concise and well-delivered.  Attendees had only a few questions, evidence of great planning and preparation by our NWNA volunteers.  The entire PowerPoint presentation is available by clicking the following link.

The good feeling and momentum reached the pinnacle during our keynote speakers’ speech delivered at the end of our program, by Scott Dunlap, Partner- Gulf Gateway Resort and Marina Village.    Mr. Dunlap is a long-time Cape Coral resident and local land developer.  

Land Developer, Scott Dunlap- If you have not had the opportunity to listen to Scott’s presentation, be sure to view it on The NWNA YouTube Channel by clicking this link.    I thought it was important for our membership and neighbors to understand how the 7 Islands Development came to fruition and how the project planning involves other waterfront parcels in the area and of course, the north spreader canal.   A vision of what life is expected to be like at Gulf Gateway was also shared.   Amenities, ferry services to barrier islands, and other waterway activities will be abundant. 

Mr. Dunlap shared some of his other development projects including the North Burnt Store Corridor commercial district near the Charlotte County border.    Prior utility work to develop and complete Tranquility Lakes Resort and RV Park, was made possible by extending the water and sewer lines along Burnt Store Road from Charlotte County rather than waiting for Cape Coral North 11 UEP progress anticipated in 2045.   The key point here is that development north of Tranquility Lakes can take place at any time.   The utilities to support commercial development are in place, now.   

Most attendees were generally pleasantly surprised by Scott Dunlap’s likable demeanor.    I believe most are leery and guarded when in the company of developers.  When he got rolling, he was entertaining and we could identify with his knowledge of the past and familiarity with the progress the city has made over the past 10, 20, and 30 years.   His connection to marine life, water quality, and his roots here in Cape Coral defined him.   Be sure to take some time to view and listen in on YouTube to see if you agree.  

NWNA UEP Town Hall - NWNA announced plans to partner with the City of Cape Coral to hold a Town Hall Meeting – North Zone 3 Utility Expansion Project (UEP) in late spring of 2024.

NWNA Strategic Development Plan-

NWNA will publish a Strategic Development Plan for North Zone 3 UEP following the educational sessions held at our Town Hall meeting and survey results from our Four (4) Focus Groups:

• Members of NWNA

• Cape Coral Developers

• NWNA Real Estate Professional Business Partners

• NWNA Board of Directors

UEP Design Contract Awarded-

Our Public Works Chairman- Grady White reported on the February 28th Committee of the Whole Meeting at Council Chambers.   The North 3 UEP estimated budget is $300 Million.    The contractor (McKim & Creed) providing the Design for the project was issued a notice to proceed on 2-19-2024.   The design planning contract duration will span 420 days and is due on APRIL 14, 2025.

During this short window of time, we can share our collective voice with the contractor providing the UEP Design Plan.  NWNA will provide a viable platform to extract a clear vision of what we would like our neighborhoods, parkways, and streetscape to look like.  A comprehensive NWNA Strategic Development Plan for North Zone 3 will be published and submitted to all stakeholders.

Topics for Town Hall Educational Sessions for Survey /Strategic Development Plan

• NW Cape and Seven Islands Vision Plan- Streetscapes and Landscapes:
  The 2016 Vision Plan included renderings of streetscapes and design concepts to remove island medians.   Some of the renderings placed 2-way traffic in the center (replacing the island median) of the roadway.    Wide tree-lined sidewalks and bike lanes existed on both sides.   Shade-protected walkers; and benches were incorporated to take a break on long walks.   Streetlights were incorporated as well.   This type of design eliminated parking on island medians. 

• Lee MPO Roundabouts:
  Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) has initiated planning studies to review ROUNDABOUT construction on Old Burnt Store Road at the intersections of Embers, Tropicana, Yucatan, Gulf Stream, Kismet, Caloosa and Durden Parkways.

• Old Burnt Store Bridge Re-Imagining:

  Current resident- J. Douglas Kidd, Architect, published and copyrighted Northwest Cape Redevelopment Plan – A Transformational Strategy in 2010.  In this publication, Mr. Kidd reveals the transformational benefits of bridge removals and replacement with aesthetically pleasing multi-purpose walking, biking, and golf cart bridges to reduce vehicular thru traffic in neighborhoods.

  Additional transformation benefits included tall and large boat access to the north spreader. Triples the number of properties that can accommodate large boats.  Increases tax base and value of all properties. Creates a strong neighborhood identity within the boundaries of each parkway.  Tropicana Neighborhood, Yucatan Neighborhood for example. 

• Lessons Learned from North 2 UEP:

  The North 2 UEP project, which included Ceitus and Embers Parkways began in late 2017.     The Design Plan for this project phase did not include redevelopment of medians, sidewalks, and streetscapes.   The medians of the parkways were left unfinished following the completion of final street paving and land painting.   The medians and sidewalks are now in the planning and budgeting stages but come to us at a much higher cost at 2024 rates, compared to 2017.

• Assemble Project Funding Team:

  A sustainable effort will be required to pursue Grants and funding to capture our vision and realize our full potential.    We encourage those who have experience in these areas to consider volunteering.

Redevelopment of NW Cape will require some hard work and planning.  We are so fortunate to be here.  This time, this place.  I see the conviction and tireless efforts put forth by city staff, elected officials, and developers.  All forces come together to create. To provide. To deliver a quality of life unmatched anywhere in South Florida.  Live our dreams.   Pick up a phone, a pen, a shovel, or a cold drink, and come join us!   

Very Best Regards, Jerry Smith, NWNA President