CAPE CORAL, Fla. — Cape Coral neighbors shared one last plea about the possible Yacht Club expansion ahead of the council’s vote.
To make room for the expansion, the city’s considering moving the Yacht Club’s boat ramp, which could also push some of the city’s boat slips to the canal instead of the marina, so they don’t lose out on $200,000.
That’s projected revenue the city would miss out on if 24 boats could no longer park there. Also in their expansion plans, more room for docks and boat slips, and a new waterpark.
The expansion would cost the city 34 million dollars. the city’s planner says the ‘go bond’ and revenue from the Yacht Basin would cover it.
John Dawson has lived on Dolphin Drive near Yacht Club Community Park for 20 years and calls the expansion unnecessary.
“This is just spending for the sake of spending,” he said.
He added the area is touristy enough and more attractions will take away from the laidback nature of his neighborhood.
“That’s one of the things that attracted me when I bought this house. There’s lots of green, and a place to relax,” said Dawson.
But not everyone feels that way. Like Ashley Kato who works as a local hair stylist and counts on tourist visits
“Overall, I think it’s going to be a great facelift for the town and hopefully bring more people,” she said.
She does however acknowledge the traffic the expansion could bring to the area.
“Do I think there could be a way to control it? Absolutely,” she said.
But Dawson doesn’t think the city’s proposed paid parking garage is the way to go.
“Building two-story [three-story] buildings, isn’t the answer,” he said.
The city plans to vote on the expansion plan in the next council meeting October 5th.
