Nelson-Lastra urges council to seek a ‘Plan B’ for rowing club
A look at the broader picture – a more sustainable picture – to get the Cape Coral Rowing Club back on the water as soon as possible was the route one council member shared during Wednesday’s city council workshop.
Councilmember Jennifer Nelson-Lastra said she believes council will have to get through the next regular meeting before they can determine what comes next for the club that will not receive its expected lease from the city for a base of operations at Tropicana Park due to a council deadlock.
“The quickest way to get you a home that is sustainable and back on the water as soon as possible – that is the goal,” Nelson-Lastra said to the group.
She said if nobody changes their position from the tie vote last week, council must come up with Plan B.
“The overarching goal is to get you guys a spot,” Nelson-Lastra said. “My wish is wherever you land that is your forever home.”
She said she will help develop a fundraising plan for a small shell to be their boat house for their equipment at that “forever home.”
“That is how you can become sustainable and keep on rowing,” Nelson-Lastra said.
Mayor John Gunter has suggested moving the Cape Coral Rowing Club to Crystal Lake Park due to what he says are safety concerns at Tropicana Park.
“We have already made a financial investment at Tropicana Park. I don’t know this yet, if we would have to invest more dollars to get Crystal Lake correct for you,” Nelson-Lastra said. “Safety and liability will have to be at the forefront if we do change locations.”
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