News Press Letter to the editor- April 3, 2014
I remember Arnold Kempe, a visionary mayor years ago who knew that
only growth should pay for growth. He saw that Cape Coral had two
strikes against it. One being its size, the second largest city in
square miles in Florida. The other, the Cape’s being poorly preplatted.
When
a resident wanted to build on the perimeter of the city for privacy,
the city was obligated to put in roads, utilities and the like. Not a
recipe to help the city’s budget.
However, this city will max out. It has too many pluses, canals, weather, prices, etc.
Now,
offer $5 million for the golf course property, a fair price considering
the market value. If the owners won’t take it, walk away. Utilize
eminent domain. If the offer is accepted, figure a way to get the money.
You managed to pay $13 million and buy vacant land in the north. This
property is, of course, now off the tax rolls. How did you find that $13
million?
A golf
course may cost more to get it up and running, but will be cost
effective in the near future. We owe it to the residents surrounding
this valuable land to get what they paid for and improve the quality of
life for our future citizens and businesses.
The
zoning must never be altered. Parks and recreation is what it should
remain. The only exception would be 2 or 3 acres for a hotel.
John and Dee Klockow, Cape Coral