Cape Coral City Council denies land use change
The Cape Coral City Council on Wednesday denied 6-2 a request to change the land use for a site on Southwest 15th Terrace from Commercial/Professional to Multi-Family Residential after residents in the area expressed concerns over what type development might be then be built there.
It was a tricky ordinance, in that while Planning and Zoning requested approval, the city’s Community Development Office recommended denial.
Council approval would have allowed as many as 134 dwelling units on the 5.38-acre parcel, using the multi-family classification allowing for up to 25 dwelling units per acre.
Residents who spoke said they would prefer single-family housing like the rest of the neighborhood.
They also expressed fear over what might go there, such as duplexes, multi-story apartments or even what they referred to as Section 8 housing.
Hal Arkin, a 53-year resident of the city who was is in commercial development, said the fears were unfounded.
“I do not see it for commercial. Today’s society is a lot different. If you have a cluster of 12 units, there’s one driveway. If you go single family, you have 21 driveways,” Arkin said. “This is not low- income or workforce housing or for duplexes.”
Councilmember Jennifer Nelson made the motion to deny, saying multi-family residential was not the right fit there, but cautioned the neighbors that there is risk in keeping it commercial.
Allowable uses could mean such things as a gas station or a storage facility, could be built on the site.
Councilmember Dan Sheppard said professional office space would serve as a nice buffer between the neighborhood and the main thoroughfare while offering a light traffic footprint.
Council members Rick Williams and Jessica Cosden voted against the denial.
Residents said they were happy with the decision and were willing to accept what would potentially be the lesser of two evils.
“I’m glad because I don’t think there’s anything in place that would keep them from building those 134 units. If it had passed investors would have pushed for that, I think,” Lauri Harris said. “They told us about the nefarious kinds of businesses that could go there, but there’s a school across the street.”
“This is a legislative issue. If it stays commercial, there’s no option about if McDonalds comes and buys it. We do believe it’s better than what’s proposed and we also believe there are other options for the property that should be explored,” said resident Bill Shields.
To reach CHUCK BALLARO, please email news@breezenewspapers.com