Cape Christian Fellowship granted extra time to complete expansion
Cape Christian Fellowship was granted a new buildout period — another 10 years — for a long in-progress expansion project.
“The enthusiasm and growth of this church has been phenomenal. I think it’s a wonderful thing and certainly in support of it,” Cape Coral City Councilmember Joe Kilraine said.
The extension for the buildout period includes a 32,000-square-foot worship building, a 10,000-square-foot office building, a 4,000-square-foot maintenance building, additional paved parking and site improvements.
Planning Team Coordinator Mike Struve said the case involves an amendment to an existing Planned Development Project to extend a buildout date that expired in 2023.
“To allow development permits to be issued for this site and in particular for development previously reviewed by staff and approved by council, a new buildout period needs to be established,” he said.
The master concept plan that was submitted in 2012 shows that the project has been developing substantially, Struve said.
He said the justification of why the buildout period has lapsed includes delays related to COVID-19 and Hurricane Ian.
The unanimous approval given by the council provides Cape Christian Fellowship with the opportunity to move forward if they desired to complete the construction on the buildings, as well as allow them to make less ambitious improvements, Struve said.
Quite a few council members shared that the church is a huge asset to the community, which is why they supported the resolution.
“I hope you have plans to make the sanctuary bigger, so more of us can enjoy the love you spread into the community,” Councilmember Jennifer Nelson-Lastra said.