Survey Summary
JENNIFER NELSON ~ NORICHARD LEON ~ YES
JEFFREY JONES ~ NO
Question one: Will you vote "No" on the transmittal to the state of the future land-use map amendment for the golf course property that would change it from Parks and Recreation to Single-family Residential that would allow for the DR Horton development called The Palm's?
NO VOTE - City Mayor or Council Member votes AGAINST transmitting a Land Use change to the State of Florida.Jennifer Nelson
(This is Save Our Recreation's position)
YES VOTE - City Mayor or Council Member votes FOR transmitting a Land Use change to the State of Florida allowing for D. R. Horton to proceed with the development of up to 770 homes on former golf club property
Question one: Will you vote "No" on the transmittal to the state of the future land-use map amendment for the golf course property that would change it from Parks and Recreation to Single-family Residential that would allow for the DR Horton development called The Palm's?
I support the planning and zoning commission's decision from June 7, 2017. However, my hope is we can reach a compromise realizing we would be removing the property off the tax roll.Question two: If you do not support the transmittal to the state of the future land-use change, what are your thoughts on what should happen with the golf course property?
I like the idea of an opportunity for the city to support some type of revenue generation from that land in the form of green space that offers potential mixed use options down the road and helps offset the loss of ad valorem. Plus, the space would blend nicely with the long term vision of Bimini Basin.Richard Leon
Question one: Will you vote "No" on the transmittal to the state of the future land-use map amendment for the golf course property that would change it from Parks and Recreation to Single-family Residential that would allow for the DR Horton development called The Palm's?
While there is still much to discuss and information to hear, at this time, I will be supporting the land use submittal.Jeffrey Jones
Question one: Will you vote "No" on the transmittal to the state of the future land-use map amendment for the golf course property that would change it from Parks and Recreation to Single-family Residential that would allow for the DR Horton development called The Palm's?
My vote will be, NoQuestion two: If you do not support the transmittal to the state of the future land-use change, what are your thoughts on what should happen with the golf course property?
In answering the question #2, and after some research, I found that when it comes to the golf course that failed on Palm Tree Blvd. in Cape Coral, a park would represent a repurposing opportunity as stated by Andres Duany and Jeff Speck inThe Smart Growth Manual, “Access to nature is a basic right, especially for those without the means to drive (Duany, Speck and Lydon, 2012).” Additionally, the Trust for Public Land, (TPL, 2006) as many as two-thirds of the residents of America’s largest cities do not have access to a nearby park, playground, or open space (TPL, 2006) Furthermore, I believe it is important to preserve those spaces and maintain the pleasures of nature. Therefore, many of the golf courses that are projected to close or have already closed do become ideal repurposed parkland.
According to the Trust for Public Land, parks provide access to nature, promote physical and mental health, control storm water, help control air pollution, help decrease air temperature, are linked to reducing crime, and help create stable neighborhoods with strong communities (TPL, 2006). However, one of the biggest benefits of parkland is the potential economic impact (Duany, Speck and Lydon, 2012). Trust for Public Land (TPL, 2006) has been conducting research since 2003 and found that the economic value cities and residents receive from parks and recreation facilities are numerous. Through their research, there were eight ways cities derive economic benefits from parks or recreational facilities which include: property values increase, tourism, direct use, attracting and retaining businesses, health, community cohesion, clean water, and clean air. Example: Lakes Park in Fort Myers.
Parks are versatile in size, shape, and location and can therefore be retrofitted on nearly every type of golf course. Although Cape Coral has several parks; green space is needed in the southern portions. Additionally, the need for more parks aligns with National Golf Foundation’s projections that the majority of course closings in the next decade will be urban and suburban par 3 or 9-hole executive courses (Beditz, 2008). Therefore, bankrupt or financially unstable courses have become prime candidates for repurposing as parks. The existing green space, the potential for retrofitting cart paths (if they exist) as trail networks, and the use of an existing clubhouse (if it exists) as a recreation center may decrease the initial investment needed to repurpose the old golf course as a park.
Therefore, in theory, the residential community would remain, but rather than golf as the core amenity, the recreational space, walking trails, fenced dog park, and the several lakes on the property could become the core amenity for example: Lakes Park in Fort Myers. Other amenities could supplement the lake, such as trails, tennis, or a smaller sized golf course for example a par 3 course (lighted for night play).
Beditz, J, Kass, J. The Future of Private Golf Clubs in America.Jupiter, FL: National Golf Foundation, 2008.
Duany, A, Speck, J, and Lydon, M. The Smart Growth Manual / Andres
Duany, Jeff Speck with Mike Lydon. New York : McGraw-Hill, 2012.
Economic and Health Benefits of Parks". 2013. (March 2013): The Trust for Public Land. March 28, 2013 2013. Retrieved June 12, 2017 from, www.tpl.org/research/parks/economic-health-benefits.html
TPL. The Benefits of Parks: Why America Needs More City Parks and Open
Space. San Francisco, CA: The Trust for Public Land 2006
