Council approves Parks Master Plan, discusses former Golf Club property
Much of the discussion about the city’s proposed Parks Master Plan at Monday’s City Council meeting centered on the former Cape Coral Golf Club that lies dormant on Palm Tree Boulevard. The city does not own the property, which is under a purchase contract by D.R. Horton.
D.R. Horton is in the process of applying to change the land use and zoning designation to allow development of single-family homes. The developer is waiting for the scheduling of public hearings on its application before the city Planning & Zoning Commis-sion.
D.R. Horton is proposing to develop about 500 homes on the 177-acre parcel under the development name of The Palms.
Residents around the former golf course made a strong showing at the meeting and a handful of them addressed council, asking the board to see the property as precious as the developers do and to keep it a golf course, a park or open green space.
A group known as Save Our Recreation has launched a petition drive to gather as many signatures as possible in support of its stance against D.R. Horton’s development plans. The group would like to see the property included in the Parks Master Plan, but generally supports the plan even without its inclusion.
Councilmember Jim Burch reiterated his stance on preserving the property for all citizens and a perceived lack of support by fellow council members.
“There is no secret the way I feel about the golf course, open space or whatever you want to call it,” said Burch. “It should be preserved, period, end of story. I am not quite sure why this council has decided not to do it, but that’s the way it is. We have an opportunity and an economy now to possibly make something happen.”
Burch’s comment on why council has decided not to go ahead with a purchase did not sit well with Councilmember John Carioscia.
“I’m getting a little worn out by Jimmy Burch coming back saying that we are not for it,” said Carioscia. “We are for it. We would love to have a park, but I am not willing to spend double what the property is worth. I won’t do it.”
Parks & Recreation Director Steve Pohlman explained that the property was not included in the Parks Master Plan because the city does not own it. He agreed with consultant Barth & Associates and the stakeholders in developing the plan though it was not in the best interest of the city to include the parcel in the plan.
Council agreed to let Burch work with staff and outside parties to come up with options to preserve the property. Those options include purchasing the parcel, trading other city-owned property that D.R. Horton could develop, or possibly the use of eminent domain, according to City Attorney Dolores Menendez
Getting back on track, council approved the Parks Master Plan that will guide the city over the next 10 years or so. The plan includes improvements to existing parks and facilities, creation of new parks and facilities, renovation of the Yacht Club area, bicycle and pedestrian path expansion and acquiring the land in northwest Cape necessary to develop Festival Park.
It is estimated the plan will cost the city about $60 million to implement over many years.
City Manager John Szerlag said he intends to schedule a special workshop meeting with the stakeholders group to discuss finance options and prioritize the projects. He expects the city to put a General Obligation Bond request referendum on the November 2017 general election ballot.