CAPE CORAL, Fla. -- The debate continues between residents, developers and City Council Members as all parties try to make a decision on what to do with the historic Golf Club on Palm Tree Blvd. Members came to a general consensus at the City Council meeting, Monday, that they want to purchase the land from the developer.
"I feel pretty good of the consensus that the council adhered to move forward and purchase [the land]," said Barth Wolf, President of Save Our Recreation.
Save Our Recreation is a non-profit that has been fighting to preserve the 175-acre land that is the Cape Coral Golf Club. The land is currently owned by the Ryan Company. Executive Vice President of Ryan Company, William McHale sent a memo to Mayor Coviello and Council members detailing that they want the land to be for residential use.
"In this case, Mr. McHale has indicated that the PDP [Planned Development Project Request] would include a subdivision with up to 500 single-family residential units."
But surrounding residents have been unhappy with their proposal.
“I don’t think that this area could hold the traffic from 500 homes," said
According to the Cape Coral City Council meeting agenda, the City has two options: either approve residential development by Ryan Company or buy the property.
"I think what's next is we can look at those options," explained Wolf. "It’s a big track of property, it should be something that’s a beautiful park for the whole community to use.”
Buying the property would cost the city about $12 million dollars, leading Councilman John Gunter to state that while he wants to purchase it, he does "not want to raise taxes for residents."
Council Members discussed the different options for financing the purchase, including partnering with Lee County.
If bought, the City plans to build a community center, passive area with a garden, small amphitheater with surrounding facilities and a perimeter pathway with linear park items. The cost of the project is estimated to be $13,525,000.
The next City Council meeting is Monday, February 5th where options for purchasing will be discussed.
