Ordinances that would impose a moratorium on new self-storage facilities and car washes will be introduced at Wednesday’s Cape Coral City Council meeting.

If advanced to a second public hearing, the city would not accept applications for, or issue permits for, any new self-storage or car wash facility within any zoning district in Cape Coral.

Ordinance 15-24 states that “in order to prevent the proliferation of self-storage facilities consuming essential commercial property, too fast, in close proximity to one another, it is necessary to study the issue to determine the numbers and locations that are appropriate to the city.”

According to the ordinance there is an estimated 1,500,000 square feet of existing self-storage space in the Cape with an additional 1,600,000 in the permitting process or under construction for a total of 3,100,000 square feet of self-storage space.

Ordinance 16-24 states that there are 16 standalone car wash facilities in the city with another nine accessory car wash facilities where fuel is also available. There are an additional 12 standalone car wash facilities in permitting, or under construction in the city.

In other business:

The city is looking to issue the next wave of bonds needed to continue with its multi-million dollar parks master plan.

Florida General Obligation Bonds, series 2024, is up for public input during Wednesday’s City Council meeting. It is part of the $60 million parks General Obligation Bond referendum that was approved by voters in November 2018.

On March 22, 2019, the first $10.2 million was issued via bank loan to finance design, land acquisition, and various park capital improvements. On Sept. 16, 2021, another $24.8 million in bonds was issued to finance the same things.

The resolution on Wednesday’s consent agenda would not exceed $19.8 million.

If adopted, an offering statement would be published on April 2, followed by price series 2024 bonds on April 9 and on May 2 the series 2024 bonds would be closed.

Other the consent agenda items include a resolution to award an agreement between the city and Florida and Sports Facilities Management for the Lake Kennedy Racquet Center. If approved, the “firm will manage and operate the facility for a basic management fee of $222,000 payable in the monthly amount of $18,500.” The contract is five years with an optional five-year renewal.

The center is expected to be completed in June and is part of the $60 million GO Bond.

The upgraded center at 400 Santa Barbara Blvd will have 12 tennis courts, 32 pickleball courts, a pro shop, concession, pavilion, and restrooms.

Also on the consent agenda is a contract with Newson Construction and Consulting, LLC for the reduction/removal of vegetative debris at Festival Park for $165,000. The contract is to begin the preparation for construction, which is expected to begin in the spring of 2024 for Festival Park.

Council awarded a construction bid for the park to Burke Construction Group in February. Including contingency, the budget has been set at approximately $17.8 million. Development plans call for festival grounds able to accommodate large events as well as an outdoor concert venue with an amphitheater with grass berm for seating. Four multi-use sports fields with lighting are also to be constructed.

The City Council meeting will be held at 4:30 p.m. in City Council chambers, 1015 Cultural Park Blvd. Wednesday, March 20. The meeting is open to the public.