CAPE CORAL, Fla. (WINK) — A project that could transform part of downtown Cape Coral cleared a major hurdle on Wednesday night after a lengthy City Council meeting.
City Council approved the $500 million Bimini East redevelopment despite some neighbors raising concerns about noise, traffic, and the impact on Four Freedoms Park. It was the final public hearing for the project.
North Dakota-based Crown Development plans to build apartments, townhomes, a marina, police substation, and bandshell in downtown Cape Coral. The project will be located just south of Cape Coral Parkway and west of Coronado Parkway.
The city previously spent $45.2 million to purchase land for the project, in the process. Cape Coral did offer up to $6,000 in rental assistance for those who qualify.
City leaders hailed Bimini East as a transformative project that would bring massive economic development. City staff estimated that construction alone would generate $750.9 million in economic output and more than 3,000 jobs.
“The [Community Redevelopment Agency’s] purpose is to remove bight, and that’s exactly what we’re doing,” Councilwoman Jennifer Nelson-Lastra said.
Developers will invest $500 million into the project, city staff said. Cape Coral will kick in money through acquisition funding, incentives, and infrastructure cost-sharing. That includes $11 million acquire additional pieces of land, like George’s Garage and the Trumbull Apartments.
the city and its that includes $45.75 million in tax increment rebates, which would be paid only if the project comes to fruition and generates tax revenue.
The city would lease Four Freedoms Park to the developer for 99 years at $1 per year, a mechanism for governments to retain ownership of a property while allowing a developer to use it. The company will take over responsibility for utilities, taxes, repairs and maintenance.
“I’ve been through business a long time, and no relationship just goes completely on trust,” Councilman Joe Kilraine said. “You have to have that contract to back it. But if you look at the incentives that are in this contract….I think we’re on the up side on this thing.”
Several people spoke against the project, urging council to hold off on major decisions until after the November election. That includes some families who raised concerns about Four Freedoms Park, which is part of the redevelopment, and home to a city-sponsored preschool program.
The agreement includes a one-acre neighborhood park with tennis/pickleball courts and a children’s playground, according to council documents. Ashley King spoke at the meeting with her two young children, nine-year-old Jace, and seven-year-old Kinber. Both kids attended the pre-school program and said they loved having a place to make friends.
“A park is great, but they’re missing the mark,” Ashley said. “They’re missing that connection. They’re missing the fact that parents are going there because of the [Pre-K] program and they’re staying because of playground.”
City Manager Michael Ilczyszyn said Cape Coral is looking into a new location for the program, and that no staff will lose their jobs.
Some public speakers said the city didn’t offer enough opportunities for public input.
“The staff has been negotiating this for over a year, and then the citizens and y’all get 20 days to talk about all this when it shows up on the blip,” David Hulsey said. “I don’t get it.”
Councilwoman Rachel Kaduk said she supported the project, but didn’t appreciate having a limited amount of time to review the deal. City Council held the first public hearing on the project Oct. 7.
Ilczyszyn pointed out the city held an open house for developers in June 2025. Staff also presented a report during the Committee of the Whole Meeting in July.
City Council ultimately approved the project on Wednesday night. A city spokesperson said it’s unclear when construction could begin.