Cape Coral residents divided as yacht club hotel proposals head to city council
CAPE CORAL, Fla. —
Cape Coral residents are sharing mixed opinions as two development groups prepare to present plans for waterfront hotels and other amenities at the city’s yacht club during Wednesday’s city council meeting.
Barbara Hildebrant, a Cape Coral resident, expressed frustration with the decision-making process.
“It’s a lot. And nobody has made any kind of sound decisions about anything down here right now,” Hildebrant said.
Charmagne Lamb, another resident, shared a more positive perspective.
“I mean, a hotel might be nice to bring more, more business for the community,” Lamb said.
The proposals come from Forest and Yacht Club Development Group (YCDG) and KMB Marine and Yacht Clubs of the Americas.
YCDG’s plan includes a four-star high-rise hotel where the community center once stood, along with a boat storage building at the marina, shops, and a townhome community. The estimated cost for this development is approximately $250 million, excluding public improvements.
KMB’s proposal features a hotel, a 685-space parking garage, restaurants, and marina upgrades, with the marina development costing around $33 million, plus the hotel expenses.
Lorraine Sanderlin, who has lived in Cape Coral for over a decade, expressed concerns about the impact of the developments.
“I’ve been in this part of Cape Coral for 13 or 14 years, and it’s been perfect. But now it’s just the traffic is unbelievable. What do we need a hotel for here?” Sanderlin said.
Both proposals include plans for boat slips, aiming to enhance the area’s appeal to visitors and residents alike.
Hildebrant, who has seen the yacht club endure multiple hurricanes, hopes the area will thrive again.
“I think the outcome at the end is going to be great. In my own personal opinion, I think it’s going to be great and it’s good. Like I said, I’m leery about a hotel coming in. But anything else? Beverage places, a bigger beach, more things for the kids to do. We look forward to coming down and enjoying the new things,” Hildebrant said.
Both development groups will present their plans before the city council, providing an opportunity for council members to ask questions and discuss the next steps for the yacht club redevelopment.
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