RICK WILLIAMS ~ See below
JOHN KARCHER ~ 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.Rick Williams
(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
I'm sorry for the late response. I needed to get information from our legal department. Although your request of the candidates is OK and will be helpful to your followers, as a sitting Council Member, my rules are a little different. Soliciting my intended vote and then openly posting it can be an issue with the Sunshine laws. This could be construed as Daisy Chaining. Although I am pretty secure in my position on this issue, my final decision will be made during our vote at the hearing. Regards, Rick WilliamsJohn Karcher
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 would vote NO. Keep it Residential / Parks as it is today.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?
The home owners were made a promise when they bought on the golf course and paid a higher price for the lots. I would like to see public / private partnerships to look into ideas that can be a win/ win for the city and all residents. The Council needs to do a better job listening to the residents.
Thoughts on what may work there:
Let’s keep it so all of Cape Coral can enjoy it.
1. How about a nature park, and look for a private / public partnership to put in the nature park. It could start small and house all animals found in Florida. They could also rehabilitate injured animals. Use some of the lakes to teach children about canoeing and kayaking and basis water safety. These uses would hold down traffic and would be quite at night. Surround the area with bike and walk lanes in a well landscaped manor. Parking for the Nature Park could be inside and buffered from the view from the homes.
What if every property owned facing the property was to buy a lot across the street from their home. That would further buffer the area as lots are 120 ft. deep and would push back whatever goes there further from the homes? Rather than have to come up with the cash maybe it could be spread out in the tax bill.
2. Let’s build a park with bike & walk lanes with the exterior well buffered from the homes. Inside could be parking with a band shell like Centennial Park, in Ft Myers Include picnic. tables, a wooded walking trail. Add a food vendor to handle events at the park.
3. Form a committee to approach Horton to again consider a land swap in the NW or NE. Include residents from all 3 areas, along with the city so stake holders are involved with the discussions. The NW wants smart growth. Let’s make these homes more mid to high price point vs express homes. A gated community likes Sandoval with 2 exits and entrances from the soon to be widened Burnt Store Rd. Get the UEP started on Burnt Store rd. , draw some new business to the new commercial corridor now.
4. Form a committee and brain storm to discuss what we don’t have in Cape Coral and what would draw people from all areas of the city. The money would come from a public / private partnership.
