By DON RUANE
druane@news-press.com
Originally posted on February 26, 2007
This afternoon could prove to be a pivotal moment in the future of Cape Coral's first golf course.
City council members meet at 3 p.m. to discuss whether the city should buy all or part of The Golf Club.
The Golf Course discussion will be held during a workshop session. No votes or public input is taken during workshops. But the council could direct the staff to take action on any consensus reached during the workshop when the council meets in regular session at 5:30 p.m.
The city's options include waiting for the current owners or a new owner to bring forth a proposal. Or the city might partner with a private developer to work out a plan.
The Golf Club closed last July after becoming mired in debt. The first golfers to play there teed off in 1961.
More than 200 residents indicated on Feb.. 21 that they want the city to find a private sector partner and create a combination hotel, convention center and golf course.
Mayor Eric Feichthaler proposes a golf resort developed by a high-end hotel chain.
Councilman Tom Hair proposes the city buy enough of the course to create a green buffer area with bike and jogging paths between adjacent homes and the course. The remainder of the course could be developed with shops and condos by a private investor, according to Hair.
But The Golf Course isn't the only topic that could draw an audience today.
Also on the workshop agenda are discussions on expanding Four Freedoms Park and the proposed master plan for the Cape Coral Yacht Club.
Tonight's regular meeting agenda includes making a decision on starting the design work to provide water, sewer and irrigation lines in the Southwest 6 and 7 areas.
