CAPE CORAL, Fla. \u2014 Cape Coral city council members are working against an October 1 deadline to finalize a proposed fee increase on builders that would fund future infrastructure.<\/p>\n
FOX 4’s Bella Line shows us the break down for what is currently on the table:<\/p>\n
Higher fees may be coming to Cape builders, City says it would pay for future infrastructure<\/p>\n
The impact fee, currently at $3,347, would increase by approximately $400 by January 1 under the proposed plan, then continue rising until reaching $5,021 by 2029.<\/p>\n
At Wednesday’s council meeting, members ironed out the details of the proposal, which has already been brought before city council for a vote.<\/p>\n
Council member Bill Steinke expressed concerns that even with the proposed increase, Cape Coral would still lag behind other Southwest Florida cities roadway impact fees.<\/p>\n
“I know there’s 5 people sitting here right now that in the last 15 months said I got to get in there and we’ve got to do something about infrastructure, and we do. All infrastructure requires investment,” Steinke said.<\/p>\n
The fee increase would support future infrastructure needs, including projects like a proposed water taxi system.<\/p>\n
Wade Kundinger, president of the Cape Coral Construction Industry Association, previously told FOX 4’s Bella Line that they would support a 12.5% increase but expressed concerns about housing affordability impacts.<\/p>\n