Guest Commentary: Redfish Pointe is not what you think
Know the facts of what’s really being proposed for responsible growth
Proposals to amend local land use designations often raise questions – especially when future development is a possibility.
But when it comes to the proposed land use amendment for Redfish Pointe in Cape Coral, the details show a far more thoughtful, environmentally responsible and community-minded development than what you may have heard. The initiative represents a unique opportunity to create a community that enables residents to appreciate nature and enjoy waterfront entertainment, while continuing to preserve 240 acres of important wetlands, which represents 69% of the 350-acre property.
Before forming an opinion, residents must understand the proposal’s intent.
A vacant, waterfront property on the Caloosahatchee River south of Rotary Park, Redfish Pointe was purchased with development rights by the Zemel family in the 1950s under Lee County’s jurisdiction.
After the City’s incorporation in 1970, the city changed the land use designation of the property in 1989 to Preservation without notifying the family. They had no opportunity to participate in a public hearing and raise objections and recommendations.
Seeking to fairly address this change, the family is requesting a land use amendment that would:
n Redesignate a maximum of 110 acres to a “Mixed Use Preserve Future Land Use District” with a restrictive declaration that limits future density
n Maintain 240 acres of their privately owned land as preservation land and require replanting of mangroves destroyed by Ian
n Provide a future roadway to support dedicated bike and pedestrian paths to the waterfront. A 120-space public parking lot would connect to an elevated waterfront boardwalk
The proposal’s restrictive declaration places clear limitations on future density and development potential, maintaining significant preservation land while allowing for limited, balanced growth. This creates a development template similar to communities such as Tarpon Point or Cape Harbour. Any development would be limited to a maximum of 800 residential condominium units; a 300-room resort hotel; and 50,000 square feet of retail, office and community facilities.
This proposal also addresses issues including traffic, flood safety and environment.
A traffic study with actual traffic counts and future growth projections through 2045 found that roadways serving the property would continue to operate within adopted levels of service during peak hours.
The restrictive declaration includes solutions for an entrance road. The family considered alternative access points presented by city staff, including an existing conservation easement on the outskirts of Rotary Park. The proposed restrictive declaration would also allow for the family’s original proposal for entrance via two neighboring properties they purchased on Southwest First Court. This enables the city to select from two alternative approaches for access. Engineers believe the roadway can be designed to provide significant buffers and better drainage for surrounding neighborhoods while minimizing effects to wetlands.
Like much of Cape’s waterfront and surrounding areas, the site lies within the Coastal High Hazard Area. Any future development here is required to address flood mitigation and evacuation planning. Downtown Cape Coral, Tarpon Point, Cape Harbour, the Seven Islands Project, Bimini Basin East and the Yacht Club are all within this area.
The family has consulted experts for comprehensive wetland, wildlife and cultural/archaeological studies.
The proposed development lies within the upland and heavily disturbed portions of the property – approximately 600-1,000 feet from the shoreline – and consists of uplands and exotic vegetation-dominated wetlands. Experts determined the site would be overrun by invasive melaleuca plants if left undeveloped. The majority of wetlands will remain untouched within the preservation land.
Additionally, a mangrove enhancement plan would address significant losses resulting from Hurricane Ian, accommodate the potential elevated boardwalk and mitigate development impacts.
Environmental studies from spring 2024 found limited presence of wildlife. Further studies would be completed prior to development to properly address any wildlife present at that time.
Equally important are the ways this amendment could enhance quality of life for Cape Coral residents. A planned bike path would provide opportunities for public access to nature and an elevated boardwalk featuring educational pavilions and wildlife lookout points.
No plans for development have been made at this time, and there are no intentions (as has been speculated) to develop 17 buildings or a marina with 200 boat slips.
Development could generate economic impact exceeding $1 billion, resulting in job creation, sales tax revenue, local business activity, real estate activity, new entertainment options and increased recreational access, all while producing a minimum of $18.7 million in annual property taxes.
Let’s move forward with facts and a shared commitment to responsible growth as we shape a future for our community that’s positioned to thrive economically, environmentally and culturally.
— Joe Mazurkiewicz is a former mayor of Cape Coral and the president of BJM Consulting Group, representing the property owners of Redfish Pointe.