By Cristela Guerra The News Press
Residents advocate preserving the 175-acre site in south Cape Coral as green
space.
Councilman Jim Burch pleaded with council Monday night to consider a way to save
the historic 175-acre old golf course in the south Cape. Many want to see this
green space become the “Central Park of Cape Coral.”
He said, depending
on what the city decides to do, it could be “the most damaging decisions it may
ever make in respect to the future of the city.”
“It’s not just a golf
course,” Burch said. “It’s so far beyond that.”
Some residents advocated
for the golf course in public comment. Others held fliers that read, “Protect
Cape Coral’s jewel for future generations.” Councilman John Carioscia agreed
that all options should be on the table though not all seem financially
feasible.
In a unanimous vote, council gave City Manager John Szerlag
direction to explore all options, specifically reaching out to the Council for
Progress as well as the Trust for Public Land. Councilman Richard Leon noted
several times that the money is just not there. He also
made another request that received applause from the audience.
“Please
just cut the grass,” Leon asked of one of the property owners present in council
chambers.
Helen Dorothy, 73, has lived near the property since
2003.
“I think they should buy the golf course,” Dorothy said. “We don’t
have a lot of green space.”
Burch advocated especially for delving into
the Trust for Public Lands though Finance Director Victoria Bateman said that
option could require a major investment between $2 million and $4 million. A
main complaint is while the land remains in limbo it continues blighted,
overgrown and unused.
“I hear the passion and love for this,” said Mayor
Marni Sawicki. “I just can’t see how we do this with the budget that we
have.”
During past meetings, a multitude of suggestions have been
considered including developing the land, converting it back into a pristine
golf course or a public-private partnership with the owners.
Also on last
night’s agenda, an issue of contention was momentarily resolved. Cape
Coral City Council voted unanimously to begin billing
on the fire services assessment and put the money collected in escrow. Other council items Continued.... New-press.com
