Saturday, November 02, 2013

Candidate Marni Sawicki's thoughts on The Golf Course Property


What is your vision for former Golf Club property? 



Hi Mary,

Sorry for the delay in responding!  I wanted to do a bit more research prior to commenting:)  After speaking with numerous individuals regarding this issue, I would be in favor of exploring this opportunity.  I agree it would be an incredible thing for our city and residents if we could find a way to make it work through a private/public partnership.  I will tell you I'm not in favor of adding any additional debt onto our budget; however, I would be interested in hearing more of the "how's" to make this work!

Marni

 Marni Sawicki  Candidate Cape Coral Mayor

Monday, October 21, 2013

Candidate Richard Leon's thoughts on The Golf Course Property



What is your vision for former Golf Club property?

Hello Mary,

I recently got a chance to walk the remains of the old country club and I couldn't help but close my eyes and recall how beautiful the property used to be. I remember practicing on the tennis courts, getting ready to try out for the tennis team in school. Looking at the property now, it is hard to imagine that ever existed.   Today we have a chance to return one of the historically rich areas in Cape Coral back to life. Back to a revered championship course. A course that can have the full amenities attracting people from all over the world to stay right here in Cape Coral.  An area that would represent the city at its best. It is my hope in the months to come that the city of Cape Coral will be able to work with the private business that owns the land to help see this come to light.

Thank you,

Rich


RICHARD LEON  Candidate  City Council District 4

Candidate Jim Burch's thoughts on The Golf Course Property



What is your vision for former Golf Club property?

Mary,

"My position on the Golf Club property has never waivered. I support reestablishing the Championship Golf Course that has so much history and became such an integral part of the fabric of our Cape Coral society. Many of you remember playing the clay tennis courts, participating in weddings and parties that many of our families had. Some may even remember watching Tom Kite and Ben Crenshaw battle it out for the NCAA Golf Championship, right here on our course. There are many good reasons for this course to return. A course with a hotel/convention center with a public/private partnership possible should be the first goal so that after resurrection, the course is sustainable. There are many key partners that have been standing in wait to bring the course back and, thereby, extend the reach of the CRA so that the Downtown can also benefit and thrive. This Course is not just a Golf Course. It is a symbol of all that is good in the Cape, a beacon of hope, that values and history mean something and an economic engine to Move This City Forward. We must be vigilant and patient, but we must also engage the owners at the proper time and communicate our desires and plans so that we do not lose the opportunity that has, miraculously, come before us once again. It was a long process from 2009 when we went to court with them and I, well remember, giving testimony for this successful effort. It has been too long for Banyon Trace and the adjoining owners that were left in the lurch with broken promises. Help me, help you restore the order and bring our heritage back."

Jim

JIM BURCH  Candidate for City Council District 1

Sunday, October 20, 2013

LAST DEBATE PRIOR TO ELECTIONS NOVEMBER 5th

Don't miss your last chance to see the candidates for mayor and city council square off.  Brought to you compliments of the, Everest Neighborhood Association.   There will be a straw poll at the event.  Show up and support your candidate.

When:   7:00 pm  Tuesday, October 29th
Where:  Epiphany Episcopal Church Hall   2507 Del Prado Blvd


Saturday, May 25, 2013

Circuit Court finds for Cape in old golf course land use lawsuit

Staff Report (news@breezenewspapers.com) , Cape Coral Daily Breeze
 
 A circuit court judge has ruled in favor of the city of Cape Coral, finding that the municipality did not "take" a developer's property when it denied transmittal of a land use map amendment.

"The Court finds that the Plaintiff's distinct investment-backed expectations when it took title to the property in 2006 were not objectively reasonable, but, were instead unreasonable," Judge Michael T. McHugh wrote in a 10-page final judgement issued Wednesday in the case of Florida Gulf Venture LLC vs the city of Cape Coral. "Further, this Court concludes that this case is likewise not ripe for adjudication as the Plaintiff never submitted meaningful application to the CITY."     Cont.....................

For the complete article in the Cape Coral Breeze click the link below. 

http://www.cape-coral-daily-breeze.com/page/content.detail/id/535094/Circuit-Court-finds-for-Cape-in-old-golf-course-land-use-lawsuit.html?nav=5011


Mary Neilson

City found faultless in Cape Coral golf course plan's failure

Cape Coral won’t be forced to pay out millions after a judge ruled Wednesday the city did not effectively condemn a 175-acre golf course by blocking an attempt to develop the property.

The owners of the abandoned 18-hole course in the southeast Cape sued the city in 2009 after City Council voted against a proposal to allow shops and homes to be built on the land. The city argued the use was too intensive and would’ve disrupted neighboring homes.



But Pat Ryan, president of Ryan Companies US, said the city only looked at a worst-case scenario, not what was planned. Ryan Companies is the managing partner of Florida Gulf Venture LLC, which owns the course.   Cont..........................

For the complete story in The News Press by Thomas Stewart click the link below.

http://www.news-press.com/article/20130525/NEWS0101/305250016/City-found-faultless-Cape-Coral-golf-course-plan-s-failure


Mary Neilson  

Friday, May 24, 2013

Judge rules in Cape Coral golf course case


Ryan Companies still has the option to use the property for less intense uses.

Cape Coral did not unfairly take the 175-acre "The Golf Club" when it denied Ryan Companies' request for a land use amendment in 2009, Circuit Judge Michael T. McHugh has ruled.

McHugh's 10-page decision was filed Wednesday.

Ryan had contended the council's decision denied the company the use of the property and prevented the company from meeting its investment expectations. The company wanted to develop the land as a mix of commercial, retail and housing uses. Even a limited mixed use plan would be overly intense and incompatible with the existing neighborhoods, he wrote.   cont.....................

 For the complete article written by Don Ruane for CapeCoral.com click the link provided below.

Sincerely,   Mary Neilson

http://www.capecoral.com/content/jugde-rules-cape-coral-golf-course-case