CAPE CORAL, Fla. —
Jack and Denise Johnson are grappling with a sinking road in front of their retirement home on Northwest 16th Terrace in Cape Coral, which has caused significant damage to their driveway and left them fearing for the stability of their home.
“It’s just been a long year. And I want it to be over,” Jack Johnson said, visibly emotional.
The couple has spent $17,000 over the past year trying to fix their driveway, which has become unusable due to the road’s continued deterioration. Johnson said replacing the driveway would “empty my bank account and maybe more.”
The contractor initially chosen to repair the road backed out of the deal, leaving the Johnsons in limbo. Jack Johnson expressed gratitude to Lee Builders Care for stepping in to help with the driveway repairs.
The city surveyed the property on Monday, taking photos of the sinking road and driveway. The Johnsons are concerned that the damage, which includes widening cracks extending to their garage door, could soon affect their home.
“This is where I plan to retire and stay for the rest of my life. And if this gets into this house and I can’t live here no more, and that’s a big problem for me,” Johnson said.
The city has deemed the roadway an “immediate danger,” preventing mail carriers from accessing the street and adding to the couple’s challenges. Johnson, a disabled veteran recovering from hip replacement surgery, relies on a scooter that can no longer navigate the damaged driveway. His wife now assists him in getting up and down the hill to reach their car.
Johnson said the city informed him that a new contractor has been selected, but he has not been given details about who it is or when construction will begin.
“There’s a 12-inch drop right there. There’s a four-inch drop there. There’s at least seven-inch or eight-inch drop over there in the middle of my driveway, and the driveway is completely cracked all over the place,” Johnson said.
The city anticipates work to start on Oct. 26, pending finalization of the contract.
The Johnsons hope the repairs will bring an end to their ordeal and allow them to enjoy their retirement home without fear of further damage.
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