CAPE CORAL, Fla. —
Cape Coral City Council will hold a final public hearing Wednesday to then vote on the proposed $500 million Bimini East redevelopment project at Four Freedoms Park, located off Cape Coral Parkway and Coronado Parkway.
The project, led by Crown Development and the Bimini Basin Redevelopment Company, would transform the 34-acre site into a mixed-use development featuring two hotels, parking garages, apartments, restaurants, a police substation, and a reimagined Four Freedoms Park.
“This is the first park of Cape Coral. So this is where it all started, right here,” said Cape Coral resident Cote Mar about the historical site.
The Community Redevelopment Agency purchased the land in 2024 for over $40 million. The council will vote on a plan to sell the land to the developers for $24 million—a multi-million dollar loss from the original purchase price paid by the CRA.
“It’s insane just the money that they’re throwing, the taxpayer money that they’re throwing away here,” Mar said.
While some residents welcome the project, others have expressed concerns about its impact on the community.
“It’s a beautiful project. But I also know that they’ve cleared most of the area for it already. So to see something that’s useful here with shops and restaurants, I think would be a nice addition,” said Lorrie Cummings, who lives next to Four Freedoms Park.
Despite her support for the development, Cummings remains worried about its effects on nearby properties.
“I’m concerned about its effects on our property and the neighboring properties. I’m concerned about how big it’s going to be and just towering over our small buildings,” she said.
Properties that will be affected include the Four Freedoms Preschool, which Crown Development President Larry Nygard said would have to change location as a reimagined park and bandshell is planned in the same area. He says the educational program would still continue.
“The location of the bandshell wouldn’t change. And that would, part of that bandshell would be where the preschool is. So, you know, that preschool would be impacted,” Nygard said.
Some residents are urging councilmembers to take more time before making a decision.
Cote Mar says he prefers the park to be preserved, while a push to nominate Four Freedoms Park as a historical cultural resource by the City of Cape Coral is possible.
“There’s a lot that has to be done here. And, and it shouldn’t be rushed!” Mar said.
The council’s decision will determine whether the redevelopment moves forward, does not pass, is held, or undergoes modifications.
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