Why the Mast Canal matters to everyone
To the editor:
In 1957, the Rosen brothers created a Waterfront Wonderland to market real estate. No permits were required to develop the land or dredge the canals. No geologic surveys or environmental impact studies were conducted. The Rosen brothers just started to dredge the canals, so they could raise the height of the land to meet septic tank requirements. This continued for 20 years before they were stopped. Thankfully, this would not happen today.
Now we have 400 miles of canals designed as a boaters and waterfront paradise; more than any other city in the world. Most of the canals are navigable, with some having access to the Gulf of Mexico. Cape Coral’s canal system is so extensive that local ecology and tides have been affected. Environmentalists and city planners will tell you we live in a low lying area prone to rising water and storm surge — a disaster ready to happen. Our canals are now home to manatees, turtles, fish, birds, other Florida wildlife and native plants. The canals make this city unique; it’s our marketing differentiator. Even the city acknowledges the canal system is its most vital economic asset. “Cape Coral’s canals offer waterfront living and recreation, protect homes from floods, enhance property values, supply irrigation water, and attract wildlife.” So we live here because it is paradise. We risk hurricanes, red tide and blue algae, and the ever increasing traffic. Would we be here without canals and water views? We don’t think so. Who will want to buy a house, rent a home, or vacation here without our canals?
Why fill-in our canals a few feet at a time? The City has found a way to create commercial land by filling-in our canals. The Mast Canal is just the start. Yes, we understand that growth will come, that commercial enterprise is necessary, but at what cost? Are you willing to give away your paradise?
We will never be able to dredge another canal; so what can you do?
n Call 311 and say STOP THE FILL!
n Vote for candidates willing to put a moratorium or ordinance in place that stops the fill. Tom Shadrach and Patty Cummings have agreed to stop the fill. We encourage other candidates to join them.
n Write a letter with your environmental concerns to: Mr. John Mr. John N. Policarpo, Section Chief, Fort Myers Field Office, United States Army Corp of Engineers, 1520 Royal Palm Square Boulevard, Suite 310, Fort Myers, FL 33919
n Share your concerns with neighbors and friends.
Respectfully, your neighbors
The Mast Canal Preservation Group
Nancy Cavanaugh