Cape Coral has rid itself of the recession blues that has tried to define it over the past several years and the population is SURGING and home construction is DOUBLE what it was 5 years ago! We are nearing 200,000 residents, compared to 154,305 in 2010 (how is that for a 10 year challenge!!) That’s when the city realized it was falling behind in a key amenity — parks — that would boost the quality of life and make the Cape a more attractive destination to compete with its sister cities along the Southwest Florida coast.
A 60-million-dollar bond has been voted on in order to restore old parks and add new parks. The bond is set to be paid off by taxpayers over 15 years, costing a homeowner on average $55 per year (or .37 cents per 1,000 in taxable value on a home), the city plans to have most of the improvements and new parks built in just two to three years. It will also cost the city roughly an additional $3.5 million per year for operation and maintenance once the parks are built.
The city held meetings for residents to give input on what they would like to see at these parks. You can plan to see tennis courts, pickleball courts, racquetball courts, dog parks, boarwalks, outdoor seating, cafes, etc.
One park that I am super excited about is, Crystal Lake Park which will be located in the northwest corner of the Cape and will include amenities such as, food truck staging area, a beach around the clear lake, a cable-ride and water ski facility, an area for scuba diving training, and so much more!
After reviewing previous plans that were shut down due to the recession, Consulting firm Barth & Associates helped the city update its plan, finding the Cape is at 4.7 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents, when 12 acres would be preferable, a benchmark set by the National Recreation and Park Association.
I think this is a great project for Cape Coral. I have lived here for 30 years and not many of our parks are really that “inviting” and parks encourage healthy lifestyles, a sense of community, opportunity to enjoy nature, and reduce the potential for chronic illness.
The growth doesn’t end there…
Single-family housing permits rose from 937 in 2015 to about 2,200 in 2018. Commercial permits also doubled, from 17 to more than 35. The city is adding more police and fire services, a streetscape project in the entertainment district, and more going forward.
CAPE CORAL IS BOOMING!!! Lets talk about the opportunity for you to invest in real estate in Cape Coral!! NOW IS THE TIME!!! 239-994-3681
