Tuesday, September 13, 2005

School board must not be just puppets

Published by news-press.com on September 13, 2005

Bob Chilmonik


There was a recent media article about an important memo that I had sent to the other school board members and the superintendent. Since almost no one saw the subsequent meeting, I want to spell out the important points contained in the memo.

The school board's basic function is to set sound policy and represent the public's interest in the Lee school system. The superintendent's role is to implement those policies and to manage the overall academic and business operations of the system. The separation of elected and administrative power is the prime directive and must be closely adhered to by both entities.

Dr. James Browder's elevation from a high school principal to running a billion-dollar "business" has been challenging and demands that he surround himself with strong, professional business expertise. Since I have been a board member, we have discussed the necessity of total transparency regarding actions and policy so that the public is totally aware of district activities and the absolute need for high quality business professionals within the administration to achieve our prime objective, i.e., a world-class education for all students.

There have been ongoing negative media articles, the latest of which deal with our building program and land acquisitions which indicate deficiencies in the administration which must alert us to the need for genuine, professional business talent to assist the superintendent and, indirectly, the board. It is urgent that we protect the taxpayers' interests as we are embarking on a $3 billion building program, and we cannot afford the weak internal-quality controls that allowed the extensive rework needed on schools like Caloosa and Trafalgar.

The second point in my memo was the necessity for intra- and inter-communications involving both board and superintendent involving every major policy decision. The case in point was the Bonita Springs parcel to be used for an elementary school which was stopped by the superintendent without input from all board members. Policy decisions of this magnitude are the sole responsibility of the elected board and cannot be made "quietly" by the superintendent.

Some of my fellow board members are making groundless charges that I am grandstanding to further my political career. But if they will examine the facts and time sequences of those facts they will see that the board itself is threatened by unauthorized actions by the superintendent. We must not relegate ourselves as mere puppets while the superintendent makes important but unauthorized decisions. And I would not be faithful to my oath of office if I did not bring these matters to the board and the public.

— Robert Chilmonik is Lee County School Board member for District 1.

Compromise in sight on Browder spending cap

Compromise in sight on Browder spending cap

Published by news-press.com on September 13, 2005


Lee Schools Superintendent James Browder still may ask school board members to double his spending limit, and the lone dissenter challenging that proposal may agree to an alternative.

Last month, Browder asked Lee County School Board members to consider raising his spending limit from $25,000 to $50,000. He would still have to solicit written bids for contracts within that range, but wouldn't have to bring them before the board in a public meeting. Browder didn't ask for a board vote after floating that plan since members weren't in agreement.

"I didn't have anybody on the same sheet of music at that point," Browder said.

Dissenting board member Bob Chilmonik wanted to head the other direction, possibly anything over $10,000 needing board approval. But on Thursday, he wrote a memo saying he'll agree to support a $50,000 cutoff with two caveats: a designated board member must sign each purchase between $10,000 and $50,000, and Browder must provide each board member with a monthly list of all purchases.

"It would provide small checks and balances between the board and superintendent," Chilmonik said. "It will build strong public confidence in what we're doing."

Browder says the higher limit would help avoid lag time in bringing smaller purchases before the school board while cutting down staff time preparing agenda items. By comparison, the mark is $25,000 in Collier and Pinellas counties, but $150,000 in Broward. Lee's school chief said Monday he's willing to hear all options.

"Every board member has a different way of looking at things," he said.

Chilmonik said he's most concerned about accountability and transparency, citing two controversial expenditures in the past year that drew ire from taxpayers — a $24,988 sales tax consultant's fee and a $24,999 deposit to buy The Golf Club in Cape Coral.

Those same issues make Norbert Smith of Fort Myers wonder why the board would raise Browder's limit.

"He hasn't done anything to merit it," Smith said. "From what I've seen, they should take it away."

Monday, August 08, 2005

Various possibilities suggest bright future for Golf Club

By Gary Tasman THE BREEZE August 6, 2005

Like the property itself, last week's column on The Golf Club generated a great deal of interest from area residents, particularly nearby homeowners, Some of them directed me to a Web site devoted to sharing information, thoughts and ideas about the club. Established by Cape Coral real estate agent Mary Neilson, www.savethegolfcourse.com features links to newspaper articles about the club, and invites readers to post their thoughts, and comments concerning its future and potential sale.
I'd also like to thank reader Paul Sanborn, who wanted me to clarify that while the golf course's first nine holes debuted in 1963, the clubhouse did not open until 1967. I have no doubt that Mr. Sanborn is absolutely correct, as he is president of the Cape Coral Historical Society/Museum and official historian for the City of Cape Coral. Please accept my apologies for any confusion - and keep those calls and e-mails coming!
As I discussed last week, that golf course needs to stay a golf course. It's much more of an asset to the Cape than if it were developed as an academic complex or used for anything other than its original purpose. However, for it to remain a golf course, it must become a solid, supportable economic venture, not the money pit that its current owners report. As promised, here are highlights of just some of the possible options that could restore The Golf Club's economic viability.
City Involvement. Although some people have suggested that the city get involved in an ownership capacity, I don't believe that it needs to be in the golf course business or any business other than governmental. The city needs to support the club philosophically and help promote it in the context of its tourism and economic development efforts, but I think that club ownership needs to be a private sector function. If the current owners can't make it profitable, then why should taxpayers foot the bill? Typically, such "solutions" end up costing residents substantially in the long run. And if you don't believe me, just look how much it has cost the City of Fort Myers to keep a restaurant going at the Fort Myers Country Club. At least that's a public golf course (not that it makes the city's ongoing assistance any more palatable to taxpayers).
Improvements. Many residents, builders and developers have visions of making Cape Coral "the next Naples" without considering one of Naples' star attractions: its lush and lavish golf courses. For that reason, significant, additional upgrades are necessary at The Golf Club. Although Scott Siler has made more than $4 million of improvements to the course since he bought the club in 2001, the facility is still not up to current country club standards.
If it hopes to ever reflect an upscale golf community and compete with better courses in south Lee County and Naples, additional upgrades are mandatory. One of the first things the owners should do is demolish the old clubhouse and build a state-of-the-art facility with renovated pools, an upgraded restaurant and possibly, an expanded pro shop. Additional landscaping and continued improvements to the course would also make the club a lot more appealing.
Of course, this will mean increasing the membership and greens fees (which some golfers complain are already too high). However, in order to the make the club attractive to major golf tournaments in the future, price hikes are inevitable.
Increased Density. Besides presenting a more attractive amenities package, the club would benefit from increased density around the golf course. That's where I see the city getting involved. In the foreseeable future, I predict the city council will approve additional development around the club, as well as taller buildings (70 feet or higher vs. the current 35-foot cap). Further, it will probably offer financial incentives to encourage the owners to improve the club.

Sale to Private Developers. Sometimes, it takes an experienced, well-capitalized developer to turn around an unprofitable property. For example, in the mid-1990’s, development of River’s Edge, a country club community in Fort Myers, was at a standstill until WCI transformed it into the prestigious, gated community of Gulf Harbour Yacht and Country Club.

The Golf Club could enjoy a similar rejuvenation, now that the county school board is out of the picture. Although the property is not officially on the market, developer Gary Fluharty, one of the club’s previous owners, has expressed interest in buying back the golf course and keeping it as a resort. Although nothing specific has been proposed, Fluharty’s preliminary plans reportedly include a hotel and other amenities. That would certainly help breathe new life into the club.

Regardless of who buys the property, I think you’ll see redevelopment occur all around the golf course. I expect that many of the older houses around there will be torn down and replaced by much larger, more expensive homes – much like what’s happened all along Southwest Florida’s waterfront. As a result, property values in and around the club will probably skyrocket. Ultimately, the city will benefit by collecting more taxes and local residents will retain one of the area’s crown jewels.

Gary Tasman is a commercial real estate advisor with VIP Commercial-TCN Worldwide in Fort Myers. For more information, please contact him at (239) 489-3303 Ext. 214 or gtasman@viprealty.com.

Saturday, July 30, 2005

Enhancing existing property is highest and best use for The Golf Club. CAPE CORAL BREEZE

By Gary Tasman

The Lee County School District's recent decision to drop the idea of buying and redeveloping The Golf Club into a five-school campus was a wise move for many reasons. While I won't deny that the city desperately needs more schools, I do not see the logic in taking this 175-acre jewel and sacrificing its greatest asset-green space-for classroom space. That is simply not the highest and best use for an established golf course with tremendous aesthetic value, as well as tremendous potential to be economically viable. But I'm getting ahead of myself.
Before discussing ways to enhance the existing facility, I'd like to outline just a few of the reasons why the former Cape Coral Golf & Tennis Resort needs to remain a golf course.

Historical Value
In an area that doesn't have a lot of landmarks, The Golf Club is a significant piece of Cape Coral history. When it opened on Palm Tree Boulevard in 1963 , the Cape Coral Country Club was a dazzling centerpiece for the town as well as an effective sales tool for developer Gulf Association Corporation (GAC). In addition to a clubhouse, with pro shop, dining room and banquet hall, the club included a 100-unit hotel where GAC invited the potential buyers to stay. A social and business hub during its heyday in the 1960's and '70s, the club has been in a financial slump for many years.
The hotel was demolished in 2000, when local developers Ron Davis, Gary Fluharty and Bob D'Andrea purchased the property for $5.5 million. In place of the hotel, they began building Banyan Trace, a luxury condominium with more than 232 units overlooking the golf course. The following year, the trio sold the property (minus the condos) for $3.6 million to developer Scott Siler, who completed more than $4 million worth of renovations to the course in 2002. The club remains a popular place for banquets, business meetings and wedding receptions, and the condos that originally sold for $143,000 have appreciated significantly in the last three years, thanks largely to their golf course views.

Aesthetics & Taxable Value
In addition to the 200-plus condos at Banyan Trace, approximately 170 single-family homes abut the golf course. Most owners will tell you they purchased for the natural setting and relative tranquility of golf course living. Although the school district's preliminary plans called for incorporating a city park, walking trails and lakes within the acedemic campus, the reality is that classroom buildings, parking lots and chainlink fences would have dominated the landscape. Regardless for the need for more schools, I don't see how these types of "improvements" could possibly enhance the aesthetic or taxable value of the surrounding residential properties. Furthermore, The Golf Club alone paid more than $74,500 in property taxes last year, the city would lose in revenue.

Commercial Potential
If you ask newcomers what brought them to our area (besides the weather), at least half of them will say they came for the boating and golfing opportunities. Although The Golf Club has cost its owners millions in recent years, golf generally is good for an area in the long run-particularly an area that has only 3 other 18-hole courses. For one thing, home built in and around golf courses tend to command higher prices than other off-water homes. Also, where there are rooftops, commercial development follows. With the number of new hotel rooms planned for south Cape Coral, a nice golf course will help enhance the opportunities to market the city not only as a great place to live, but as a vacation destination, as well.

Buildout Problems
One of the most obvious problems with using The Golf Club for schools is that the area is already built out. Consequently, the demand for more classrooms in the southeast Cape is not as great as in other parts of the city, namely the north and northwest, where the most explosive growth is occuring and development has taken off. Further, I don't see how putting schools in a built-out area would do anything to alleviate traffic congestion, raise property values or other wise improve the quality of life for current and future residents.

Zoning and Other Issues
Even if the city had the unanimous support of area residents and an extra $26 million to buy the club, planning and zoning isssues would have created major redevelopment roadblocks. According to the city's comprehensive land-use plan, The Golf Club's future use is listed as recreational. Therefore, the city council would have to rezone the land and ask the state to amend its land-use plan in order to redevelop The Golf Club site for any other use.
Beyond the considerable resourses required to change the land use, the costs of bringing the necessary infrastructure to the site (utilities, storm drains, etc.) would be exorbitant. Also, if the golf course were taken off the city's current inventory of recreational facilities, it would have to be replaced with a comparable tract of land for recreational use. I know of no such property available in south Cape Coral, which makes the idea of redevelopment all the more unfeasible.
While proponents of the academic campus contend that new schools create jobs and attract people who will support local businesses and restaurants, I believe that The Golf Club can do the same at a much lower cost.
However, before this diamond-in-the-rough facility can shine as the gem it was meant to be, some changes will have to be made. Next week, I'll highlight some of the redevelopment options being discussed that could restore the club's economic viability.

Gary Tasman is a commercial real estate advisor with VIP Commercial-TCN Worldwide in Fort Myers.


Tuesday, July 19, 2005

Council decides against inquiry into Stewart's Actions. CAPE CORAL BREEZE

His knowledge of proposed Golf Club sale, meetings questioned.

There will be no investigation into what Terry Stewart knew about the aborted sale of The Golf Club to the Lee County School District, or when he knew it. And that decision sent several residents and a few city council members home unhappy from Cape Coral City Hall Monday.

Cape Coral’s city manager, on the hot seat since late June when it was revealed he had been approached months before about a possible sale of the historic site to the district but didn’t inform council, was afforded a degree of relief when only Jim Jeffers, Tim Day and Mickey Rosado voted in favor of a proposed investigation by City Auditor Dona Newman. The time line of events brought forward by Stewart — which he provided to council and later read into the record before a packed house at city hall — served to allay the concerns of the majority.

“To me, the facts are all here,” Mayor Eric Feichthaler said. “I don’t think it warrants an investigation.”

Monty Sink, a resident of Bikini Court, disagreed.

“I’m concerned over the actions of the city manager,” he said. “If his meeting was not illegal, it was in very poor taste.”

Last mont, Stewart revealed that he had been approached by an investment group inquiring about the city's interest in becoming involved in a pending sale of the failing golf course to the district. Stewart said at the time that he honored a request for confidentiality in not reporting back to council about the discussions. Council members were then blindsided by inquiries by both their constituents and the media, and since the issue came forward while they were on summer break, some were out of town and all said they knew nothing about the discussions.

"I knew nothing about discussions which, apparently, had taken place five months previously," Jeffers said.
"I was surprised," Councilmember Dick Stevens said. "I said I have no comment because I didn't know anything about it.
Jeffers,who placed the item on Monday's agenda as a discussion item, said hearing about it first from a reporter disturbed him. He then ran down a list of department heads who knew about the meetings, including Public Works Director Chuck Pavlos, Economic Development Director Mike Jackson and Fire Chief Bill Van Heldon, and shook his head.
He was confidential with that group, but not willing to share it with the elected representitives of Cape Coral," he said.
Stewart said Monday that he received a phone call in January to meet with Janet Watermeier, former executive director of the Lee Economic Development Office, and Jim Moore, a former scholl district official, who were both working for the Gulf Coast Group. The subject of the meeting that followed on Jan. 27th was to inform Stewart that the district was considering purchasing the course for five school sites and to gauge whether the city would be interested in piggy-backing on the the purchase to meet city needs.
"I strongly advised them that it may cause a negative reaction from the neighbors," Stewart said. "I informed them it was a matter for the mayor and coucil to decide."
When Stewart met with the group again March 3, School Superintendent James Browder asked him if the city would be interested in partnering on the purchase. Stewart told council Monday that he reiterated his previous statement that the mayor and council, ultimately, would decide. On April 25, Stewart met with Bob D'Andrea and Gary Fluharty of Banyan Trace, who informed him they wanted to acquire the course for residential development.
"I strongly suggested they meet with the mayor and council," Stewart said.
Stewart then said that, by June, he believed that a meeting between the investment group, Feichthaler and council "was imminent," and that the land use change required to develop the 170-acre property as anything but a golf course would trigger public hearings that would make the public aware.
"At no time were there discussions about price," he said. "we made it crystal clear it was a matter for council's consideration and judgement-no deals were ever made."
To Patricia Ferrara, Stewart's explanation didn't cut it.
"It's ridiculous," the 17-year resident said. "He and his department heads kept a decision secret that involved hundreds of people. I think he should have informed the mayor and council."
Her neighbor, Gina Greco-Fitzgerald, agreed. "It's obvious that the people did want an investigation to clear the air," she said, "It's obvious the council didn't."
Councilmember A.J. Boyd said he voted against the idea because he saw no value in it.
"What am I gonna get out of it rather than hearsay?" he asked after the meeting. "Just people's opinions of what they may or may not have said."
Jeffer said afterward that Stewart's allegiance should have been with City Council and the residents, and not with an investment group.
"You saw a roomful of citizens outraged tonight, not over what occurred over several months, but what their elected officials did to allay their concerns," he said.


For more on this local story by Kevin Duffy, see the July 19 issue of The Breeze.

Sunday, July 17, 2005

DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION FOR THE AUDITOR?

If you have a question you would like the auditor to add to the inquiry please use the comments bar in green under this post. Please keep your questions brief and to the point. I will attempt to pass them on if possible. Thank you.

Article Cape Coral Breeze July 16, 2005

Council member calls for probe into Golf Club talks

A Cape Coral city councilman said Friday he will call for an internal investigation next week into the actions of the city manager regarding discussions over the city’s interest in purchasing a privately owned golf course.

City Councilman Jim Jeffers said he will request that City Auditor Dona Newman look into what staff, specifically City Manager Terry Stewart, knew about the proposed purchase by the Lee County School District of The Golf Club, a 175-acre property that the district wanted to use for up to five schools.

Following public outcry, Superintendent James Browder withdrew the a letter of intent he signed for the $26 million deal June 28.

Jeffers wants to know when Stewart and city staff knew that the owners of The Golf Club were looking to sell their holding and how they came to know of it; when he found out about the district’s pending purchase and what details, such as price and interested parties, Stewart was aware of; the nature of the discussions between Stewart and his staff regarding the property owners’ desire to sell and the district’s desire to buy; and any analysis that may have been done to determine whether it would be feasible for the city to purchase the property.

Newman’s probe would be conducted with the support of the City Attorney’s office, Jeffers said. And it would mirror the activities of the city’s Human Resources department when they evaluate the job performance of city employees.

Jeffers, who has placed the matter on Monday’s council agenda as a discussion item, said he brought it forward because Stewart revealed last month that he met in March with a development group representing the district.

At issue is why Stewart didn’t inform council about the discussions.
“It’s been reported that an offer was made and the city manager declined any interest on the part of the city,” Jeffers said. “If it did occur, that certainly is a usurpation of authority.”
Jeffers said he was concerned about Stewart not informing council about the discussions and that he wants to make sure the body is informed in the future.
“This is intended to get at the facts and to determine what action needs to be taken,” he said.

Stewart declined comment through the city’s public information officer, Connie Barron.

Councilmember Day said he fully supports Jeffers, and would like Newman to interview each councilmember individually to find out what, if anything, they knew about the discussions. Transcripts of the interviews would then be compiled into a package and distributed to everyone on the board.

"I don't want (the auditor) to do a finding and then tell us what we should do," Day said.

Day said the timing of Monday's discussion is critical to put Stewart on notice that council might not want to renew his contract, due discussion next spring. Council is obligated to inform him six months prior or his contract will automatically roll-over.

"Council needs to take a good , hard look at the golf course and any other issues pertinent to the city manager's job to decide whether or not you extend the contract," he said.

Stewart, Day continued, should welcome an investigation.

"He should welcome it with open arms because he gets a chance to clear the air and explain what went on," he said. "Investigations don't necessarily mean criminal activity, or even wrongdoing."

Mayor Eric Feichthaler said that "might have been a good idea" for Stewart to have informed council of the discussions since there was the potential that the city might have wanted to purchase the land. Feichthaler said it was his understanding that the purpose of the meeting was to determine whether the city would be willing to purchase a portion of the land for city needs such as police or fire stations if the sale with the school district went through.

Feichthaler said Stewart simply honored a request for confidentiality.

"In light of what's happened, Mr. Stewart should have told them he's obligated to report major events to the council," he said.

Councilmember Dolores Bertolini said she met in private with Stewart shortly after the meeting became public knowledge. Many things were explained, she said.
"I'm comfortable with his explaination, it may have been an error in judgement," she said. "that's a determination that eight people will have to make Monday."

For more on this local story by Kevin Duffy, see the July 16 issue of The Breeze.

Saturday, July 16, 2005

Golf Resort in Marietta GA

From anonymous; Check out what the City of Marietta, GA did with a private country club that moved its location. I have played there and have attended functions at the conference center. It was a win-win situation for all. http://www.mariettaresort.com/golf2.html or for your convenience, click on the GREEN title above.

Thursday, July 14, 2005

Administrative Discussion Item-The Golf Club

Click the green link above to read 'Administrative Discussion Item' Submitted by: Council Member Jim Jeffers. It is a request for an investigation and inquiry into the City's involvement in the proposed purchase by the Lee County School Board.

City Council Agenda for Monday July 18th 5:00 PM

Agenda has been posted for Monday's city council meeting. The Golf Club will be discussed. See Page 4 Item I 3. Click on the GREEN link provided above. Tell your neighbors. Hope to see you all there. Mary.

Monday, July 11, 2005

Letter from Concerned Citizen

Mary, we spend the summers in Keene Valley, NY which is 16 miles away from Lake Placid. We play golf at the Craig Wood Golf Course which is owned by the town of North Elba, NY in which Lake Placid is a village. The golf course is managed by one manager who also operates the pro shop. All other workers are casual, mostly retirees. The club restaurant is managed by the man that has the franchise. Membership is inexpensive for residents of Essex County. Carts are 25 for 18 holes, Greenfees 35 for non members. This way residents, tourists and everybody else gets to play. The golf course is a treasure owned by the town and has been in operation for 60 years. Thanks.

Friday, July 08, 2005

Still Waiting

Dear Concerned Citizens,

As you know, we are still waiting for our city leaders to call a special meeting. The golf course zoning and land use must be designated clearly as Parks and Rec so there will be no question in the future. It is important that we attend all meetings concerning this issue.

On a personal note, I do not own a condo in Banyan Trace as stated in the News Press July 6th.

Mary

Golf Course Wildlife Pictures

The turtle was taken in March on the 17th hole (in the "wildlife habitat", there is a sign), the ibis somewhere on the side of the course (but on the course property) I believe by the 16th hole, also in March, and the owls live between the 13th hole and the one across, those pictures were taken in April. At least the owls were there until the rain. Yesterday the burrow was untouched.

Pictures courtesy of Barbara Butler


Some pictures...





Monday, July 04, 2005

EMAIL ADDRESS

If you weren't able to attend the meeting Thursday night, we collected email & home addresses. If you would like to be included in a broadcast email (strictly for savethegolfcourse) email me and I will enter it in the data base. Please email with subject: ADD MY EMAIL so I can get through them quickly. Thank you. Mary

CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING

I am waiting for the date & time of a special council meeting to be scheduled covering this issue. I will post to the site ASAP. Until then, here is the info on the next regular city council meeting.

Location: CITY HALL

Date: Monday, JULY 18, 2005

Time: 5:00 PM

Letter from Keith Thornton

Dear Mary and Concerned Citizens,

It's with the deepest respect for the Palm Tree, Wildwood and Country Club communities in which I submit this suggestion for future use of our beloved Club acreage.
Because the Cape is such an expansive urban sprawl, it sometimes experiences difficulty distinguishing itself within the character and prestige department. Few will disagree, the general area which The Club encompasses is arguably the only long standing exception in regards to the City's character and prestige deficiencies. Being held in such high esteem, there is a duty by all with a vested interest to preserve The Club or more accurately, the historic soil which now occupies The Club. With this sheer opportunity in the forefront, allow me to think outside of the box and share what I envision as the future of this storied SE community while preserving The Clubs present landscape aesthetics in addition to property values.
Can anyone say The Naples Philharmonic?, or better yet, The Cape Coral Philharmonic Estates nestled in Historic Southeast Cape Coral. Wow! it still gives me goosebumps saying it. And the clubhouse, how about opening the back (East) side to an attached Amphitheater with permanent lawn seating. Talk about character! Now of course, plenty will have to be done by way of landscaping and security to ensure the neighborhood is maintained to at least its present level, but I'm sure Naples found a way to secure its surrounding neighborhoods in its likewise situation.
The rest of the present grounds can be transformed into an upscale park equipped with fountains, hedge works, designer gazebos, decorative lighting with speakers and monitors to further catch classical music and the live performances within the adjacent Amphitheater. Cobblestone walkways with iron gates leading to backyards of neighboring homes should be incorporated in the landscaping if the homeowner desires. Of course the aesthetics would have to be agreed upon by the community and property owner. It would be great if the City could afford such a venture and I'm sure you would agree the benefits are endless. What's also great is the rolling hills of the golf course can generally be maintained.
I would also suspect the Naples Philharmonic would love to partnership with the Cape Coral Phil. while better serving Southwest Florida's theatrical needs.
Please consider my suggestion and please share with your readership, in any event, the future of The Club should be replaced with a facility worthy of a first rate city and community second to none.

Truly Yours,
Keith Thornton

Letter from Ken & Chris DeCant

The land behind us was zoned park and recreation until about two years ago. Now there is a four story condominium behind us. We did protest but our protesting was for naught. Now you are in the same battle.
When I went to the council meeting I was basically dismissed before I even had an opportunity to speak, this after taking the morning off of work to be heard. My husband and I did not have the backing of so many, because few houses would be affected by what happened to us.
Perhaps your fight will be successful, but where money is concerned, what benefits the city and the corporate world will prevail.

Your battle is just beginning, ours was short lived and over.
Ken & Chris DeCant

Friday, July 01, 2005

Thank you letter to all

To all who attended the meeting last night I would like to extend my heartfelt thank you. While I'm sure you would have preferred to vent your anger, you remained calm and allowed our guest speaker, former mayor Joe Mazurkiewicz to explain zoning and land use designations, drainage issues, other important data and a viable alternative use for the land while retaining the golf course in it's present state. I would also like to thank Mayor Feichthaler, council members Day, Bertolini, LePera and city manager Terry Stewart for attending. Lastly, Gary Fluharty for his statement and for kindly stepping up to answer questions. I will continue to monitor the events as they happen and post them to this site.

Sincerely,
Mary Neilson

Thursday, June 30, 2005

Reply from City Manager Terry Stewart

Dear Mr and Mrs. Sauer,

My apology for the delay in responding to your e-mail. I just returned on Monday from a week away visiting my son's family and our new grand daughter. As you might imagine, there was a bit of work to catch up on, and also the additional calls and e-mails regarding the proposed school district purchase of The Golf Club.

Although your message was not addressed directly to me, I felt it a matter of courtesy to respond since I was copied. Please understand that my comments are not intended to represent those of the City Council and are intended only as observations.

We now know that the school district has decided to back away from the purchase. This does not totally resolve the concerns of many who live on or near the golf course. All it does is remove the probability that schools will be built there. The property is privately owned and as such, the owners are entitled to sell the property, just as you or I are entitled to sell ours. I cannot personally vouch for this information, but the New-Press reported that the course had financial losses of $2.1 million over the past three years. Even if you are correct about your observations regarding the reasons for their losses, the fact remains that their business is not profitable and they are losing money. As such they have decided to sell.

What happens to the property if and when it sells is the next big question. If it is sold to someone that wishes to continue its operation as a golf course then that is the best possible resolution. If the new purchasers were to acquire it with the intention of a different use such as but not limited to single or multi-family homes, then that would require a large scale land use change. Land use changes are lengthy processes encompassing several public hearings (at least two) with public notice requirements. This includes a hearings before the Planning and Zoning Commission and also before the Mayor and City Council requiring their vote of approval or denial. It is then sent to the Florida DCA for review and acceptance. If approved by the DCA, then it still requires a final acceptance hearing by the Mayor and council before it may be implemented. If returned by the DCA with the stipulation for any changes, then it must go back to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a public hearing, and then finally to the Mayor and City Council for a final hearing. All of these hearings ( possibly four) with public notice requirements and final votes by our elected body are in place for the very purpose of insuring that the public is provided with the opportunity to learn beforehand of any proposed changes to land uses in their neighborhoods.

This same criteria was also in place for the School District because its intended land use was different from that which is now in place, Parks and Recreation Facilities. The District was required to apply for a land use change and go through all of the statutorily required public hearings just as anyone else. There is no possible way that the change could have occurred without you, or your neighbors and the rest of our community being informed and having full opportunity to voice your concerns or opposition.

I hope this helps you to better understand the current situation and the processes that protect you and all citizens in Cape Coral.

Best regards,

Terry Stewart


Terry Stewart, City Manager
Internal Extension 1450
External (239)574-0450

Letter to City Leaders

To the Lee County School Board, Cape Coral City Council and all others who may be concerned about our golf course:
We purchased our golf course home in October 1998 and have for the most part enjoyed every minute of it. Now it looks as though it will be taken from us and our neighbors. Here are our thoughts on this travesty:
The News-Press states that the purchase of prime property was 26 million dollars. Money spent that the entire Lee County will bear the brunt of in their taxes. It is prime property because of the golf course. Once there is no longer a course the value becomes grossly deflated and the tax payers are still liable for 26 million dollars. The School Board does not contribute to our tax base therefore we will lose whatever tax contributions the golf course makes to our city.
Mr. Scott Siler stated that "golf business is in decline". How false is that!!!!? Would developers be building golf communities all over Florida if that were true. Golf course communities are being built everywhere in the entire country for that matter. The Fort Myers/Eastwood Courses have had record years. In season you have to call days in advance for a tee time. Off season it is a little easier due to the winter resident's return to their northern homes. The reason golf is on the decline at The Golf Club is because his rates are too high, when there are so many less expensive courses in Fort Myers and surrounding communities. Most everyone is willing to pay $2 in tolls to save $15 or more in green fees. Golfers from other communities are not willing to pay $2 in tolls to spend the extra money to play at The Golf Club.
Our tax record states that our property is single family residential, GOLF COURSE etc, etc. We paid for this in our purchase price and have every year in our taxes. Is the city and county going to lower my taxes since I will no longer have golf course property? Again I state the value in the property is the fact that it is golf course, not schools. Are the citizens willing to spend 26 million dollars for the property that once the golf course is gone probably won't be worth any more than any standard lot in Cape Coral?
What about the properties on a lake, is that next? Will they want to fill in a lake and take away that from other residents next? As absurd as it sounds what about the canals, can they be filled in for roads or filled in and land locked denying access to the river and gulf to those residents? Where will it end if this is allowed to take place here?
This was timed perfectly for deception, the school board and city council are off for summer vacations and the winter residents are also gone for the summer. If no one was trying to pull the rug out from under the residents of our neighborhood than why the secrecy and why wasn't it even mentioned at the last board meeting. Then Mr. Browder could have given the full $25,000 instead of having to short it $1 without consulting his superiors. He overstepped his bounds on this one.
This is an established neighborhood of long time residents who purchased on the golf course to see them into retirement. Some of the newer residents purchased their dream home and used every bit of their savings to purchase here hopeful that it would increase in value.
Lets get to the problems a school complex would bring to our lovely, established, historical neighborhood.....traffic, congestion, noise, pollution, litter, stadium lights, more traffic, more noise, more litter, decreased property values, water runoff and flooding of existing homes and streets. More importantly, lets discuss environmental issues....where will the bald eagles go, the wood storks, tortoises, herons, fox, otters, ducks, fish and much more who call the golf course home.
Cape Coral has the beginnings of gangs staking out territories. What are next, drugs on our street corners? We all know that drugs are more readily available in and around schools than anywhere else. Students are the targets for drug dealers, hook them young and you'll get them for life. This is NOT what we want in our neighborhood. Traditionally schools are built and those that want to live near a school build there. Not the other way around.
These are but a few issues that arise from the under handed dealings of Superintendent Browder and Scott Siler. I'm sure the residents of our beautiful neighborhood can come up with hundreds of reasons this is a bad deal all the way around. Is someone interested in what they have to say? Go to our website and hear what the people want. After all, this country, state, city and community were founded on basic rights granted to us by the Bill of Rights, first and foremost, that we are entitled to the pursuit of happiness. Happiness, that is what we have found right here, in our golf course homes.

As always, we remain,

Arthur T. and Michelle L. (Shelly) Sauer
702 Wildwood Parkway
CC, FL 33904

INFORMATIONAL MEETING 'VERY IMPORTANT' MUCH MORE WORK AHEAD

'SAVE THE CAPE CORAL GOLF CLUB MEETING'

PLAN TO ATTEND.....PLAN TO ATTEND.....PLAN TO ATTEND

PLACE: FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF CAPE CORAL
MAIN SANCTUARY
4117 CORONADO
DATE: THURSDAY JUNE 30, 2005
TIME: 7:00 PM

This is a very important meeting.

Letters





Letter from Rod Woodbury

ISN'T CAPE CORAL ALREADY IN A DEBACLE REGARDING THE UNBID SEWER SYSTEM AND NOW IT'S LET'S BAIL OUT SCOTT SCILER AND HIS BOYS BECAUSE HE CAN'T RUN A GOLF COURSE.

I MET WITH ERIC FEICHTHALER YESTERDAY AND FROM HIS COMMENTS IT APPEARS SOMEONE HAS TO BUY THE GOLF COURSE AND MAKE IT PROFITABLE BY INCREASING HOUSING DENSITY, BUILDING HIGH RISE APARTMENTS OR SOME OTHER CREATIVE NUISANCE. ISN'T THIS PARAMOUNT TO ME BUYING A RESTAURANT, SPENDING MONEY ON THE IMPROVEMENT AND NOT BEING ABLE TO AVOID FORECLOSURE BECAUSE I CHARGED TOO MUCH FOR MEALS OR OTHERWISE CAN'T CUT IT? ISN'T THIS SILER'S PROBLEM?

WOULD I OR ANY BODY EXPECT THE CITY TO BAIL ME OUT. HARDLY! BETTER YET, WHO WOULD EXPECT THE CITY TO BUY IT FROM ME FOR FIVE TIMES WHAT I PAID FOR IT AND TURN IT INTO AN EYESORE ALL IN AN EFFORT TO ASSIST ME. SCILER TOOK THE RISK WHEN HE BOUGHT THE COURSE. THE PUBLIC DIDN'T. IF THE PUBLIC DIDN'T EXPECT TO PROFIT FROM HIS VENTURE WHY SHOULD THEY BE EXPECTED TO PAY FOR HIS INABILITY.

THE MAYOR FURTHER EXPLAINED THAT SOME $5,000,000 A YEAR WOULD BE SAVED IN TRANSPORTATION COST FOR NOT HAVING TO BUS THE KIDS WITHIN THE 2 MILE RADIUS OF THE GOLF CLUB. I GUESS THIS IS WITHIN THE BOUNDARY OF WHAT IS CONSIDERED PUBLIC GOOD OR ECONOMIC BENEFIT WHICH THE US SUPREME COURT HAS RULED IS ALL THAT IS NEEDED FOR SEIZURE OF PRIVATE PROPERTY. CONSIDER THIS, HOWEVER. THERE ARE 221 HOUSES ON THE PERIPHERY OF THE GOLF COURSE AND ALL OF BANYON TRACE CONDOS. THE HOUSES ALONE AVERAGING $300,000 EACH ACCOUNT FOR $66,300,000 IN PROPERTY VALUE.

IF A SCHOOL IS PERMITTED IN AS A REPLACEMENT FOR A GOLF COURSE THE NOISE OF BANDS, PLAY GROUNDS, BUSES AND PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION, TRAFFIC CONGESTION AND NIGHT FLOOD LAMP LIGHTING OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD WILL BE ENOUGH TO DECREASE PROPERTY VALUES WITHOUT CONSIDERATION OF WHAT THE MAJOR ADVANTAGE IS TO LIVE THERE IN THE FIRST PLACE - THE VIEW AND PEACEFULNESS OF THE AREA.

ROD WOODBURY
CAPE CORAL

Wednesday, June 29, 2005

Conversation with Vice Chair Chilmonik

For all those concerned about comments made after most of us left the School Board meeting last night while the Board was still in session. I had a phone conversation with Vice Chair Chilmonik a few minutes ago and he assured me Lee County School Board has NO interest in the Golf Club. They have also drawn up a letter to Mr Siler which I hope to have a copy of with in 24 hours to scan and post on this site. I will also post any email correspondence I receive from the board members and/or Superintendent Browder as they come in. Our time & energy must now be focused on reaching our goals with the help of our Mayor and City Council Members to find the best use for the land for the common good of our community while preserving the golf course. Thank you. Mary

LETTER WRITING & EMAIL CAMPAIGN

Dear homeowners and concerned citizens. It may be time to contact The Department of Environmental Protection and The Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission on the issue. Click the corresponding link on the right of this page to access contact information. Thank you.

Round 1 WIN! - The fight has just begun...

Tuesday, June 28, 2005

A MUST READ STATE ELECTIONS COMING UP IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION

Mary: Thank you so much for your hard work. I hope your writers will remember that in 2006 we will be holding very important elections in the State of Florida. A new Governor and Cabinet as well as several House and Senate members. Several of these candidates have started exploratory committees, or have already opened their campaigns to run for a particular office. An Election Year can prove to be very valuable during this type of protest with a project that will alter our green space and quality of life forever.
If your members are looking for people to write to so we can make everyone more aware of what is happening in Cape Coral, the following members of the Governor's Cabinet should be on the mailing list.
The Attorney General, Charlie Crist, has announced plans to run for Governor
His information follows:
Office of Attorney General Charlie Crist
State of Florida
The Capitol PL-01
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1050

Main office telephone number Switchboard: 850-414-3300


Our Chief Financial Officer has opened his campaign for Governor and was just here in this area.


cfo@fldfs.com Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher


Our Commissioner of Agriculture is Charles Bronson

Contact the Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services, commissioner@doacs.state.fl.us
Mailing Address:
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services,
The Capitol,
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0800
Telephone: (850) 488 - 3022

Many of us believe that Lt. Governor Jennings will aslo be running, she does not post an email but her address is as follows:


400 S Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399
phone 850-488-4711

Senator Saunders has announced he is exploring the


opportunity to run for State Attorney General.


His information is as follows:

Senator Burt L. Saunders
1039`SE 9th Place Suite 310
Cape Coral, FL 33990
phone 239-338-2777

Representative Kottkamp has always been a great supporter


of Cape Coral. His information for email is as follows:


He is home for the summer so great time for contact.


He has a local office:


Rep: Jeff Kottkamp


3501 Delprado Blvd. Suite 305


Cape Coral, Fl 33904


phone 239-334-4900


Jeff.Kottkamp@myfloridahouse.gov

Lt. Governor Toni Jennings

Write:
PL 05 The Capitol
400 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001

Telephone:
850/488-4711
Fax: 850/921-6114


Other information: Dr. Elinor Screika, the Chairwoman of the Lee County School Board is the guest speaker tomorrow evening at the Cape Coral Rep. Club. They meet at The Association of Realtors building at club Square on 47th Terrace,by the Bingo Hall and The Elks Club. During questions, someone can ask her about comments made later in the meeting tonight about keeping their interest in the Golf Course.


I hope this information is of help as you and the residents continue to work passionately to save The Golf Club.


M.Mastroianni

Letter from Robert & Helen Norton

For the record, I am not opposed to having the city of Cape Coral
purchase the Cape Coral Golf Course, IF they intend to retain it as a
golf course or convert it to a park and recreation area that would
continue to benefit those in the Southeast and elsewhere.

Having held public office as both a borough Clerk and a Member of a
School Board, one of the things that those government organizations were
especially cognizant of was the negative community impact of replacing a
perceived asset with a perceived negative; and the proposal to convert
the golf course to a school complex does exactly that. Shame on those
who propose it; and I ask you to work to defeat the proposal.

The golf course property represents an important "Green Area" for the
rather densely populated Southeast area, and if acquired should either
remain a public course or developed as a recreation area primarily for
retired, and vacationing adults. The city is doing a good job of
building ball parks and other recreation areas for children and young
adults; however, it is seriously lacking areas that are suitable for its
major population demographic: pre and post retirement adults. Land
value is escalating rapidly in the area and older home purchases for
extensive remodelling and/or replacement continues to enhance this
beautiful and desirable canal and river access area. Putting a school
complex in such an area is flying in the face of usage and would cause
the area to deteriorate and important segments the population to move
from the area. The end result would be the halting of desirable growth,
devaluation of prime property area and a reduction in ratables as the
values lessened which they most surly would do.

I Own a home and walk and cycle extensively in the Southeast areas, and
the area under discussion does not have a high percentage of families
with school age children. In fact, they are frequently served by
compact school busses rather than full sized. I see the property
improvements, the relatively few children waiting for busses, and I also
see the increased amount of traffic on both Country Club and Palm Tree,
and none are compatible with a school complex.

The city residents would be far better served, by continuing to have
schools built in the Northeast and Northwest where fewer canals exist,
land is more reasonable and where a number of schools presently exist.
All of these factors speak to more efficient child transport and a
better extended campus network. Also the development in these areas
lends itself to families with school age children, and indeed, that is
what can be found there now. property is more affordable there for
obvious reasons.

Putting a school complex in the center of one of the most positively
growing, desirable, empty nester, residential areas that was developed
expressly for the use of retirees, fishermen, boaters, and others who
wish to live on or near the water, not ony changes the long established
character of the area, and it is not only ill-advised; it is also
fiscally imprudent, and lacks the kind of vision and foresight that will
continue to make Cape Coral a wonderful planned community. Don't do it.
It makes no sense whatsoever.

Sincerely,

Robert W. Norton
Helen P. Norton
1109 SE 40th Street
Cape Coral, FL 33904

Lee County School Board Meeting REPORT

The Lee County School Board Has Rescinded its offer to purchase the Golf Course. Watch your local News Tonight. Please plan to attend the Meeting scheduled for Thursday June 30 at 7 PM. Now we need to pursue the preservation of The Golf Club. Our work has only just begun. Thank you all for your continued support as we have many more hurdles to overcome. Mary

Important letter from Scott in LaBelle

Mary: I saw tonight on the news, that you are getting a lot of coverage. I think that's great and hopefully it will help you. I know in our short conversation earlier today, you mentioned the word attorney and I am sure that your group will probably retain an attorney for legal advice and representation at meetings, etc. I would like to find a GOOD attorney for our cause also and I don't know of any local attorneys here that I would like to use. Do you have any recommendations of someone we could contact to help us. We want someone, like you, that is good in real estate issues and is sympathetic to a cause such as ours.

Please e-mail me or call me with any recommendations.

ps. I got an e-mail today from Dan Trescott at the Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council who said that today he got a phone call from someone at Dept of Community Affairs who is now going to look into our issue. They weren't going to do anything until we contacted the Attorney General's Office.

Thanks.

Scott Wegscheid

SURVEY TOP 5 CONCERNS

Dear Readers, We in the process of organizing the agenda for the meeting scheduled Thursday night. We want you (the Cape Coral Homeowners) to pick the top 5 concerns to be covered at this meeting. Please click the comments bar at the bottom of THIS post and share your #1 concern . We will tally the survey Thursday afternoon. Please don't email your survey answer to me as I am overloaded already. Thank you.

Email from Peter Nachbur

Thanks for hosting this web site. I'm in the Adirondack mountains of NY State for the summer. I own a 4th floor Augusta unit in Villa 2 so I have a great interest to see the golf course remain. I'm in communication with Gary Fluharty. Any suggestions from you will be welcome. Meanwhile, I'll monitor the web site. Thanks, Peter Nachbur

Letter from Alex LePera

Good afternoon,
>
>Just to let you know that I am in receipt of your e-mail and many similar e-mails and understand your position on this issue. Like you, I am in an information gathering mode. I have already been to your newly founded web site, Save the Golf Course and am planning to attend the Thursday night meeting.
>
>As the current potential buyer is the Lee County School Board, I strongly suggest that you and others take your concerns directly to Dr. Browder and the board.
>
>Hope to see you Thursday evening. Thank you for your input.
>
>Alex LePera
>City Council, Dist.#5

Letter from Mayor Eric P. Feichthaler

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Sauer
>
>Thank you for your comments. First, let me say that I am in favor of
>the course remaining a golf course. To answer a few of your questions
>and comments:
>
>1) This property is the cheapest per acre available in the city, which
>is why the school district is interested.
>2) You are correct that the course is single family residential. Based
>on this, a housing development could occur there, which many developers
>are interested in doing. However, the land use is parks and recreation,
>and I support kepping it that way.
>3) I believe the School District is trying to do their best for the
>City of Cape Coral. We are in desparate need of schools. Again,
>although this site has many advantages, the land should remain with a
>parks and recreation designation.
>
>Keep in mind, whoever decides to buy this course will want to maximize
>their profit, and may seek to rezone the entire property for homes and
>commercial development. Although I would not support this, I am but one
>vote. To the district's credit, they do intend to keep much of this
>land as parks, and would have a large buffer around the entire property.
>
>
>Again, thank you for your comments, and enjoy your Summer in Cape Coral.
>
>Regards,
>
>Eric P. Feichthaler
>Mayor
>City of Cape Coral
>(239) 574-0440

from Kellie and Peter Roch

Dear Mary,
Thank you for organizing this fight against the Golf Club sale. We are away for part of the summer, but want you to know you have our full support in this fight. We as everyone else who purchased a home in the area ,did so for the view, and the established neighborhood. I can't begin to think what this purchase will cost the residents of Cape Coral. Impact fees are already amongst the highest in the area, and will only increase when roads are needed.Higher taxes are a must because someone needs to compensate for the loss of revenue. This isn't just a problem for golf course residents, it is a problem for all residents of Cape Coral.

Our school situation in the SE is adequate for the residents of the area. If other areas were not bused in, we would not need to build schools in the SE. The NE and NW are the place to build schools.

Sincerely,

Kellie and Peter Roch
SE 9th Ct.

from Patrica Foote

Good Morning,

I am Patricia Foote and reside at 702 SE 36th Street. Even though my property does not abut the golf course, I am adamantly opposed to the proposed sale of the golf course properties to the Lee County Schools. I, too, purchased my home in this area after much research into potential road expansion, zoning and designated uses.

My suggestion for an inexpensive, readily available show of support for the defeat of the Lee School purchase is the display of green ribbons signifying support for "Save the Greens" keeping in mind the stringent codes involving that display. I plan to establish an appropriate method of display as the result the most recent debacle about the removal of the yellow ribbons for a returning soldier. I, believe, putting them on the front door would not violate the current codes, but the suggested placement can be discussed so we do not "muddy the waters," divert attention and dilute the support needed to defeat the purchase by the Lee County School Board.

The current proposal would require changes in zoning to accommodate the school project which has the potential to expand the downtown area up across the current golf course and into the neighborhoods. The rezoning and building of a large school campus would not enhance property values. This project is not a small neighborhood school, but a large county school facility generating noise, traffic, pollution and the destruction of environmentally-sensitive land.

Additionally, Mr. Stewart's actions in having a meeting with individuals representing the golf course owners and then alleging he knew not with whom he was meeting and thought they were representing the Lee County School Board is farfetched at best. Can Mr. Stewart be so naive to think that the citizens of this community would believe he did not know with whom he was meeting. Standard business practices dictate establishing the identify of an individual or group and their intent in asking for a meeting. Mr. Stewart is a seasoned professional from whom I would expect a code of behavior fitting his office. This was not demonstrated by a March meeting with this group, lack of notification of the council and what appears to be some in-depth discussions of his support for the project, as well as in-depth discussions of how the City of Cape Coral would entertain involvement in the project. The expectations and process would be the same even if the meeting had taken place with individuals directly representing the Lee County School Board. The alleged discussions would have triggered concerns of lack of notification and potential support by the City of the proposed project without community involvement.

I offer my support and wish to become involved in addressing this issue. I look forward to hearing from you.


Patricia Foote

Letter from Mayor Eric P. Feichthaler

Dear Ms. Levy,

Thank you for your message. Congratulations on your new condominium. We all recognize the need for schools, and there are many advantages to the Golf club location. However, hundreds of residents in this area, including yourself, will be impacted by such a school. Considering the historical significance of the course, and the lack of recreational green space in Cape Coral, I believe the schools should be located elsewehere. I hope the seller can attract a buyer that will continue to operate the course as is, possibly allowing a resort hotel to be located there.

Please attend the town hall meetings that will be scheduled on this matter. Enjoy your new condominium, and we will work to see the residents are protected.

Regards,

Eric P. Feichthaler
Mayor
City of Cape Coral
(239) 574-0440

from Jim and Nancy Mathews

We are residents on SE 3rd Ave, directly west of the main entrance to the Golf Club. We have only lived here for a couple of years; however, it looks as though we may soon be leaving if this sale is finalized. Dr. Browder indicated traffic problems will not occur due to the varied start times....is he kidding? It will only extend the problems for about 5 hours per day! As for the view......pack your camera and go visit the Cape Coral High School at dismissal time. While you are there, check out the dumpster which is in plain view of the highway. You can't miss it, it's right behind the chain link fence just north of the building. Nice area...I certainly would not choose to live near it! Buses and cars and kids hanging around after school leaving their litter everywhere really does not make a pleasant surrounding in which to live. And they want five buildings erected there.....in an area that has no room left for new growth? When the "signs" are ready for the lawns, do not forget us, we will gladly put one in our front yard. If we can help, let us know.

Jim is a retired Michigan teacher (35 yrs) and I was Exec. Secretary to the Superintendent and Board of Education in Riverview, Mich.

Jim and Nancy Mathews

Letter from Patricia Foote

FAX

Patricia Foote

702 SE 36th Street

Cape Coral, Florida 33904

239-542-2111 – Cell 239-560-3252

pfoote@swfla.rr.com

DATE: June 28, 2005

TO: Mayor Eric Feichthaler
District 1 Jim Jeffers
District 2 Richard Stevens
District 3 A.J. Boyd jr.
District 4 Dolores Bertolini
District 5 Alex Lepera
District 6 Timothy Day
District 7 Mickey Rosado

239-574-0429

FROM: Patricia Foote

SUBJECT: Proposed Sale of Golf Course Property – Lee County School Project

# PAGES 2

Even though my property does not abut the golf course, I am adamantly opposed to the proposed sale of the golf course properties to the Lee County Schools. I, too, purchased my home in this area after much research into potential road expansion, zoning and designated uses.

The current proposal would require changes in zoning to accommodate the school project which has the potential to expand the downtown area up across the current golf course and into the neighborhoods. The rezoning and building of a large school campus would not enhance property values. This project is not a small neighborhood school, but a large county school facility generating noise, traffic, pollution and the destruction of environmentally-sensitive land.

Additionally, Mr. Stewart's actions in having a meeting with individuals representing the golf course owners and then alleging he knew not with whom he was meeting and thought they were representing the Lee County School Board is farfetched at best. Can Mr. Stewart be so naive to think that the citizens of this community would believe he did not know with whom he was meeting. Standard business practices dictate establishing the identify of an individual or group and their intent in asking for a meeting. Mr. Stewart is a seasoned professional from whom I would expect a code of behavior fitting his office. This was not demonstrated by a March meeting with this group, lack of notification of the council and what appear to be some in-depth discussions of his support for the project, as well as in-depth discussions of how the City of Cape Coral would entertain involvement in the project. The expectations and process would be the same even if the meeting had taken place with individuals directly representing the Lee County School Board. The alleged discussions would have triggered concerns of lack of notification and potential support by the City of the proposed project without community involvement.

YOU ARE NOW IN THE LOOP – During the most recent elections you received the support of the voters. It is now your turn to support those very people who went to the polls on your behalf.

The proposed golf course sale and development is surrounded by early behind-the-scenes maneuvers and lack of communication with the Council and the citizens of the City of Cape Coral. It is paramount that the Council step up and address, not only the proposed sale of the property, but the questions and concerns surrounding the proposal. I urge you to consider the historic nature of the area, the designated downtown development areas, the impact of the change-in-use zoning, and the major investments of the property owners not only directly abutting the golf course property, but those properties in close proximity to the golf course. The potential loss to the City of Cape Coral far outweighs the benefits of siting a large Lee County School facility on the property.

Responsible development is important in the City of Cape Coral. Please don’t demonstrate a lack of responsibility to the current citizens of Cape Coral and the potential buyers who do their research before investing in the community. I, too, did my research before selecting Cape Coral and the specific area best suited to my lifestyle, economics and a sound investment. Changing zoning and use in an established area that is the historical center of the founders and original community does not send a message of responsible development. I urge you to retain the present zoning and golf course designations.

Letter to Chairman Scricca

Dear Chairman Scricca:

Having received my Master's Degree in Business Education, I want you to know that I truly believe in education and recognize the need for new schools. This said, I think that destroying an existing golf course in an established, older neighborhood to build the schools is the wrong decision. I am a homeowner at Banyan Trace Condos.

I selected this area because of the golf course, and enjoy the fact that most of my neighbors are senior citizens or retirees.

Also, this area is not where the growth is happening. Most new family homes are being built in the Northeast and Northwest sections of Cape Coral. Wouldn't it make more sense and cost less to build on undeveloped land,

where you would not be disrupting the quality of life for the residents? Please put yourself in our position.


Thank you,

Dena Levy,
4009 Palm Tree Blvd.
Cape Coral, Fl 33904

Letter from LaBelle

Hello Ms. Neilson:

I just wanted to let you know that I hope you are successful in blocking the purchase of your golf course. I live in LaBelle and we had a similar situation happen to us which we are only now really beginning to fight. Our golf course (Oxbow Golf Course) was split up by the owner into various parcels and sold at an auction. Our county officials let this happen even though the comprehensive land use plan called for "Leisure - Recreation" as the use for this property. They are only now trying to get a comprehensive land use plan amendment to change the use to single family and multi-family. We are also going to fight this. Please check with the Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council and the Dept. of Community Affairs in Tallahassee to see if they might be of any assistance to you. I don't know what Lee County's Comp Plan calls for currently on your course, but I assume that they will have to change it to allow the school use.

Please don't hesitate to contact me if there is anything I can do to help you. I have been researching our situation for the last 5-6 months and talking to the Regional Planning Council and DCA.

Sincerely,


Scott Wegscheid
P.O. Box 2061
LaBelle, Fla 33975
(863) 673-4630

Letter to Governor Bush

Dear Governor Bush:

I am sure you are aware of the mixed sentiments regarding the sale of the Cape Coral Golf Course. I am a Banyan Trace Condo owner. I purchased this condo because it was on the golf course. I am a senior citizen and have invested all my

savings in this purchase. Not only would my investment not appreciate, but I would stand to lose considerably if

instead of facing a golf course, I had a view of a cement parking lot and building. I understand the need for new
schools, but is it fair to disrupt established homes to accomplish this? The southwest cape coral area is an older, established neighborhood, populated by senior citizens and retirees, not young growing families.

Before buying at Banyan Trace, I did investigate the history of this golf course. It was designed by Dick Wilson in

1962. Dick Wilson is responsible for several other famous courses, such as the Blue Monster Course at Doral,
and the Championship Course at Bay Hill. I believe it is a wonderful piece of history that Cape Coral can claim.
How could the destruction of this course be explained to the many golfers who vacation in Florida all year long.

Please encourage the Lee County School Board to continue to pursue other areas for the new schools needed.


Thank you,

Dena Levy
4009 Palm Tree Blvd.
Cape Coral, FL 33904

News Press Mailbag article by Fort Myers resident

" One Man's trash
I can understand the anger , frustration and apprehension of the condo owners in Cape Coral who are upset over the pending sale of their golf course view to the Lee County school board. Since I never think like the majority, I would like to offer another view. My nephew lives in an upscale community in Arizona that has an elementary school on the grounds. The neighborhood surrounds the school and is beautifully landscaped. Residents in the community have their children on a wait list to attend the school before they are born. One of the major selling points in the community is the proximity to the schools. Perhaps Dr. Browder is a visionary who will work closely with the developers to ensure that the landscape blends with the homes and the view is aesthetically pleasing aas well as functional. For every seller there is a buyer and what is not valuable to one person may be priceless to another." SHERRY SNOWDEN Fort Myers

from JULIA LOMBARDI

TO THE TOWN COUNCIL:

MY HUSBAND (CARMINE LOMBARDI) AND I RESIDE AT 4112 SOUTH EAST 8TH AVENUE, CAPE CORAL. OUR BACKYARD IS THE THIRD HOLE FOR THE GOLF CLUB.

WE PURCHASED THIS HOME NINE YEARS AGO AS A RETIREMENT HOME BECAUSE THE PROPERTY WAS ADJACENT TO THE GOLF COURSE AND WE FELL IN LOVE WITH THE NEIGHBORHOOD AND THE SURROUNDING AREA.

NOW THE CITY MANAGER, TERRY STEWART AND THE LEE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION WANT TO TAKE AWAY FROM US AND OUR NEIGHBORS THE SECURE FEELING THAT WE ONCE ENJOYED AS PROPERTY OWNERS IN CAPE CORAL.

HOW CAN THE TOWN COUNCIL JUSTIFY MR. STEWART'S ACTIONS?

HOW MUCH TIME AND ENERGY WAS PUT INTO RESEARCHING THE SALE OF THIS PROPERTY TO THE LEE BOARD OF EDUCATION?

HOW MUCH PROPERTY TAXES WILL BE LOST AS A RESULT OF THIS SALE TO THE BOARD OF EDUCATION?

DID ANYONE WHO IS INVOLVED WITH THIS UNDERHANDED SALE EVER CONSIDER THE PROPERTY OWNERS WHO ARE ADJACENT TO THE GOLF COURSE AND THOSE PROPERTY OWNERS WHO RESIDE IN THE GENERAL AREA?

AS A RETIRED PROFESSIONAL, I WOULD HAVE BEEN FIRED ON THE SPOT IF I EVER DID ANYTHING SO UNDERHANDED AS NEGOTIATE A DEAL WITHOUT PRIOR CONSENT OF THE MANAGEMENT STAFF THAT I REPORTED TO. I BELIEVE THAT MR. STEWART FALLS INTO THIS CATEGORY, HOW CAN THE COUNCIL TRUST HIM AFTER THIS.? CAN YOU AFFORD TO ENTRUST MR. STEWART WITH FUTURE DEALINGS THAT INVOLVE CAPE CORAL?

I AM VERY INVOLVED WITH THE CAPE CORAL SOCIAL CLUB. I AM THE SECOND VICE PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF MEMBERSHIP, AND ONE OF MY RESPONSIBILITIES IS TO BOAST ABOUT CAPE CORAL AND HOW WONDERFUL IT IS TO LIVE IN THIS BEAUTIFUL CITY. I SINCERELY DON'T THINK THAT I CAN PASS ALONG THIS SENTIMENT TO ANYONE. PERHAPS IT IS TIME FOR PEOPLE INTERESTED IN MOVING TO LEE COUNTY TO LOOK ELSEWHERE.

I KNOW THAT YOU HAVE RECEIVED MANY LETTERS REGARDING THIS SUBJECT AND I AM SURE THAT THEY ALSO VOICE OUR CONCERNS.

AS PROPERTY OWNERS AND VOTERS, WE WILL DO EVERYTHING IN OUR POWER TO PROTECT OUR REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT, THE NEIGHBORHOOD AND MAKE SURE THAT FUTURE MEMBERS OF THE TOWN COUNCIL REPRESENT THE BEST INTEREST OF THE CITIZENS OF CAPE CORAL NOT JUST DEVELOPERS.

I HAVE A FRIEND WHO JUST CLOSED ON A CONDO IN BAYAN TRACE AS A INVESTMENT AND A HOME TO LIVE IN ON WILDWOOD. AT THIS POINT SHE IS SO UPSET THAT SHE IS CONSIDERING SELLING. IS THIS HOW WE CONVEY THAT CAPE CORAL IS PARADISE? WHY SHOULD THIS HAPPEN TO THE RESIDENTS IN THIS NEIGHBORHOOD?

PLEASE RESPOND TO THIS LETTER.

THANK YOU.

JULIA LOMBARDI

from Shelly Sauer

To the Lee County School Board, Cape Coral City Council and all others who may be concerned about our golf course:

We purchased our golf course home in October 1998 and have for the most part enjoyed every minute of it. Now it looks as though it will be taken from us and our neighbors. Here are our thoughts on this travesty:

The News-Press states that the purchase of prime property was 26 million dollars. Money spent that the entire Lee County will bear the brunt of in their taxes. It is prime property because of the golf course. Once there is no longer a course the value becomes grossly deflated and the tax payers are still liable for 26 million dollars. The School Board does not contribute to our tax base therefore we will lose whatever tax contributions the golf course makes to our city.

Mr. Scott Siler stated that “golf business is in decline”. How false is that!!!!? Would developers be building golf communities all over Florida if that were true. Golf course communities are being built everywhere in the entire country for that matter. The Fort Myers/Eastwood Courses have had record years. In season you have to call days in advance for a tee time. Off season it is a little easier due to the winter resident’s return to their northern homes. The reason golf is on the decline at The Golf Club is because his rates are too high, when there are so many less expensive courses in Fort Myers and surrounding communities. Most everyone is willing to pay $2 in tolls to save $15 or more in green fees. Golfers from other communities are not willing to pay $2 in tolls to spend the extra money to play at The Golf Club.

Our tax record states that our property is single family residential, GOLF COURSE etc, etc. We paid for this in our purchase price and have every year in our taxes. Is the city and county going to lower my taxes since I will no longer have golf course property? Again I state the value in the property is the fact that it is golf course, not schools. Are the citizens willing to spend 26 million dollars for the property that once the golf course is gone probably won’t be worth any more than any standard lot in Cape Coral?

What about the properties on a lake, is that next? Will they want to fill in a lake and take away that from other residents next? As absurd as it sounds what about the canals, can they be filled in for roads or filled in and land locked denying access to the river and gulf to those residents? Where will it end if this is allowed to take place here?

This was timed perfectly for deception, the school board and city council are off for summer vacations and the winter residents are also gone for the summer. If no one was trying to pull the rug out from under the residents of our neighborhood than why the secrecy and why wasn’t it even mentioned at the last board meeting. Then Mr. Browder could have given the full $25,000 instead of having to short it $1 without consulting his superiors. He overstepped his bounds on this one.

This is an established neighborhood of long time residents who purchased on the golf course to see them into retirement. Some of the newer residents purchased their dream home and used every bit of their savings to purchase here hopeful that it would increase in value.

Lets get to the problems a school complex would bring to our lovely, established, historical neighborhood…..traffic, congestion, noise, pollution, litter, stadium lights, more traffic, more noise, more litter, decreased property values, water runoff and flooding of existing homes and streets. More importantly, lets discuss environmental issues….where will the bald eagles go, the wood storks, tortoises, herons, fox, otters, ducks, fish and much more who call the golf course home.

Cape Coral has the beginnings of gangs staking out territories. What are next, drugs on our street corners? We all know that drugs are more readily available in and around schools than anywhere else. Students are the targets for drug dealers, hook them young and you’ll get them for life. This is NOT what we want in our neighborhood. Traditionally schools are built and those that want to live near a school build there. Not the other way around.

These are but a few issues that arise from the under handed dealings of Superintendent Browder and Scott Siler. I’m sure the residents of our beautiful neighborhood can come up with hundreds of reasons this is a bad deal all the way around. Is someone interested in what they have to say? Go to our website and hear what the people want. After all, this country, state, city and community were founded on basic rights granted to us by the Bill of Rights, first and foremost, that we are entitled to the pursuit of happiness. Happiness, that is what we have found right here, in our golf course homes.