Cape Coral residents push back against costly North 3 utilities expansion project
CAPE CORAL, Fla. —
Northwest Cape Coral residents are voicing concerns about the city’s North 3 utility extension project, which they say comes with unaffordable costs and could force some to make difficult financial decisions.
A packed city council chamber saw passionate homeowners sharing their frustrations. Mike Stone, a northwest Cape Coral homeowner, received applause during public comments as he addressed the council about paying over $40,000 to connect to city water.
“Just south of here where they did North Two, that was $18,000, and now we’re up to $41,000. And so it’s just too much to bear if you think about it like this. If I finance that and the water bill that’s going to be over $500 a month, I pay for water, and that will be one of my largest bills,” Stone said.
The city council approved the utility expansion project assessments during the meeting. Homeowners east of Burnt Store Road will face $35,264 in assessments, while those west of Burnt Store Road will pay $41,029.
“You know, people don’t have that kind of money. I don’t have that kind of money,” said Jennifer Alvarez Watta, another northwest Cape Coral resident.
The city explained that the higher costs for residents west of Burnt Store Road are due to the Alternative 5 road improvements project, which includes new stormwater pipes, multi-use pathways, drainage functions, and other upgrades.
Stone expressed frustration over the additional $5,765 fee tied to the road improvements.
“The alternate five, which is really some sidewalks and some additional space for golf carts or bicycles, that are being paid by us in a utilities expansion. And instead, that was expected to be paid from the impact fees and the normal taxes that we pay in this growing area,” Stone said.
Residents at the meeting also questioned why the costs differ from previous utility expansion projects in North 1 and North 2. The city stated that pre-payment amounts for areas east and west of Burnt Store Road reflect differences in infrastructure requirements for each area.
The city council will hold one final hearing and vote on the project next month.
DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.