CAPE CORAL, Fla. -- A tiny solution could be coming to a big problem in Cape Coral. Home prices are rising, which puts home ownership out of reach for many locals. So some say micro-cottages could help bridge the gap for struggling families.
Micro-cottages are small, but not as small as a tiny house. And they are affordable.
Affordability is key, according to city staffers who point out many people in Cape Coral don't have huge salaries. "If you look at the top ten top growing jobs in Lee County, only one of them makes more than $15 an hour," says one city staffer.
However, Mayor Joe Coviello has concerns. He's worried the home's values won't generate enough property tax revenue. "Over the last few months, you've seen this council has approved quite a few developments that encompass quite a few multi-family structures and homes that have more affordable and more workforce housing."
Council member Jessica Cosden says northeast and northwest Cape Coral seem like the most logical places for the micro-cottages, because there's more space for development.
Right now there is no indication if the city will approve the micro-cottages.
The council would have to restructure some of the city's rezoning ordinances.
