To the editor:

Your article regarding the “resort style” upgrades to the Cape Coral Yacht Club was very informative. It has, however, come three years too late (Hurricane Ian was in 2022) and City Council has been spending money foolishly on other projects.

This Yacht Club, Cape Coral’s only real beach, has languished and the community has been waiting for only a minimalistic renovation in order for residents to return to the enjoyment of spending time with family and friends on our beautiful beach. This has been made especially difficult given that many of the other local beaches in Lee County were also closed (or unable to access) due to damage from Hurricane Ian. Interestingly, many of those beaches have been restored… not the Cape Coral Yacht Club, though.

A few things caught my eye as soon as I looked at this (apparently approved) artist rendition of the new Yacht Club. It only takes a second to notice how very small the community center and Boathouse Bar and Grill are compared to the rest of the buildings.

Residents of Cape Coral are now aware that permits and construction companies have been approved and ready to start building. We have also been notified that our LCEC charge will increase from 7% to 10%, if the funding goes through as proposed.

The most important part of this picture is missing completely… the pier, beach, restrooms and picnic tables. Instead, the majority of this plan is a marina, a huge building (parking, boat storage?), and a swimming pool. Of note, the previous swimming pool was never a “centerpiece” fixture at the Yacht Club. Why? Because we live in a tropical climate and most residents have swimming pools at their homes. In addition to everything else that I have just stated, the manner in which this Yacht Club is to be built, it caters to the marina (boaters).

Residents that would like to spend time at the beach will spend most of their time and energy parking, walking a distance with all of their beach gear, and then looking for their small place in the sand to, hopefully, relax and enjoy some fun in the sun. Keep in mind that the median age of Cape Coral residents is 55 years old.

Finally, it is safe to say that the Cape Coral Yacht Club is now going to be a boaters paradise! For residents who are looking forward to beach time, I’d recommend looking for another place to go.

Don’t forget, this project isn’t supposed to begin until 2026 and construction will not end until 2029 (if everything goes smoothly).

What a shame.

Debbie McDermott

Cape Coral