Sunday, August 16, 2015

Response from incumbant John Carioscia Candidate for District 2

Mary,
As you know, 4 years ago you asked me the same question, when I was a candidate for District 2.
My answer then as it is now:
I would like to see it as a inner City Golf Course, possibly, complete with a mini convention center, comparable to the Palmetto Pines Country Club and whatever else we can squeeze into that area.
A park would be nice, but we must then accept that the residents would not receive any tax revenue and then there will be employees and maintenance costs for the park.
The land is privately owned and the owners want almost double the appraised value and the City does not have the funds, alone, to purchase it.
Yes, as you may know, we have been in dialogue with the County Commissioners, specifically Brian Hamman, and he has tried to champion some movement from the BOCC to assist the Cape, but with no success.
I will support the residents with my vote.
Thank you for asking,
Councilman John M. Carioscia Sr.
District 2
Let's keep the Cape moving forward!

Response from Marilyn Stout Candidate for District 3

Mary,  I am very open to suggestions.  I hated when the Country Club was torn down.  We have lived here 33 years so have seen much change.
 
I am not in favor of taking that (I heard) 180+ acres off the tax rolls...but I also don't like the blight that the homes in that area have to live with.  Property values have probably decreased greatly as compared with what was paid to build there.  I would like to see resolution before another 10 or even 5 years passes by.  I understand Coral Oaks is subsidized so another city subsidization seems impractical.  I understand the owners lost millions of dollars when it was a golf course so the city probably cannot make them restart a golf course....and they are probably taking a loss every year on their tax returns to offset their profit somewhere else.
 
I can envision a linear park like the Yarborough Linear Park in Ft Myers....with walking paths, lots of trees and shrubbery, park benches, fountains....and then with the rest...maybe 130 acres (if practical) with maybe a theater, small shops with condos overhead, restaurant, Starbucks....like the Ft Myers Arcade area.  The street could be pavers, as well as the sidewalks.  It could be a lovely destination area and be a win-win for residents and the tax rolls. I hope these thoughts are taken as a positive and practical direction.  That area could be a fantastic place to live when someone no longer drives.  It just takes vision.
 
I have a good friend running for Ft Myers City Council....their tax situation is higher than it is here so I certainly don't envy them...except I do think they have a lovely lively downtown.  Thanks for asking...and again I want what is best for the residents of the area without waiting a  zillion years to get it.

City Council Candidates and the Former Golf Club Property

Good evening,

I sent the following message to the candidates running for city council.  District 2:  John Carioscia (incumbent), Michael Bogliole and Kirk LaGrasta  District 3:  Jerry Doviak, Marilyn Stout and Chris Cammarota  District 7:  Sam Fisher, Timothy Barrier and Jessica Cosden

I will post their responses as I receive them. 

"Dear candidates for council,

I reside at 3862 SE 7th Place, Cape Coral and have spearheaded the movement of over 400 Cape Coral property owners who advocate the preservation of the former golf course.
I would like to know your position on what should happen with the 175+ acres.

I intend to share your response on our website/blog at www.savethegolfcourse.com

Thank you for your time and commitment to our beautiful city.

Mary Neilson"