To the editor:

Sending out a personal appeal to all past and present residents of Cape Coral, or anyone who may have been impacted by the Yacht Club ballroom and who cares about historical significance.

On June 7 at 4:30 p.m. please come to the City Council Chambers to demand the ballroom be saved. If you cannot attend, please contact the mayor and city council via email and phone. ( https://www.capecoral.gov/…/city…/city_council/index.php )

The structure survived Ian like a champ with a broken window and sheetrock replacement resulting from the window – no surge flooding.

What has caused issues is the neglect by city leadership to fulfill their responsibility as stewards of the resources of our city. Years of deferred maintenance is what has led to the need for a new roof & HVAC, and upgraded electrical system. All other costs presented were smoke to justify this irresponsible action.

Additionally, the city has the ability to declare this historically significant example of mid-century architecture exempt from the 50% rule. There is zero evidence that ONE building will trigger massive increases in our flood insurance premiums as suggested by one council member. Other municipalities across the nation have done so without any change in rates.

Time is running out as they race to demolition at extensive financial and cultural cost.

Please help.

Kari Lerner

Cape Coral