CAPE CORAL, Fla. -- Neighbors in Cape Coral say some residents in an area halfway house are causing disturbances.
Police have been called to the house dozens of times in the last six months. Neighbors describe strange encounters with residents, which include trespassing. "We've had random people walking up and down the street, coming into our yard," said one neighbor.
In one instance, a neighbor describes a man coming into her yard to ask for cigarettes. "He actually came over the fence and knocked on the window while no one was home, only our teenage daughter was home," she said. "It scared her, and it really scared me."
The encounters have neighbors wondering if these kinds of facilities are allowed in residentially zoned areas. A spokesperson from the City Of Cape Coral said they are. "Sober houses are regulated by the state (to some extent). The City does not regulate these homes. In fact, municipalities cannot have zoning laws that restrict their operations. If there are disturbances, then the neighbors should call the police to investigate," said Connie Barron with the City of Cape Coral.
The house manager referred 4 In Your Corner to the home's owner. We are still waiting for a response to verify what type of licensing the home has.
