[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6096863,"mediaKeyId","2830372-f19088453c28b2c9ff60916a48273251","parentId",2830372,"title","Six-lane study for Cape Coral Parkway shows crash history and parking tradeoffs; engineers eye retiming and parking reallocation","audioSeconds",140,"startMs",3050000,"endMs",3190000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2830372-f19088453c28b2c9ff60916a48273251&start=3050&end=3190","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2830372-f19088453c28b2c9ff60916a48273251/thumbnail_3050000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6096863/Cape-Coral-City/Lee-County/Florida/Six-lane-study-for-Cape-Coral-Parkway-shows-crash-history-and-parking-tradeoffs-engineers-eye-retiming-and-parking-reallocation","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6096863-642d7c5c8ecb248cca38a0f9f59b38ce/orig.mp4?Expires=1771151505&Signature=Gk1qbCB-Hy4RKcqSze880Vfw9XaB1CoMw9~JRxFNBfKRRfGaLFKK8pfqdmR8fbsEjhIDh-rj8ps2HuvLcnXJinO7Mu0b5th4l0ZTQiWME2oP5fVz4x1wRlaTkk0PU2R9Mi~JxPOPIcx~vif0LiXisVj9npRBdAQdQfFxO6tESm6hLd805UJdmWh8Ckf6uf3yh-7eYRxt~xj-apeakPE4BGBe9pm8E3YFgsrQHdB9txt~3QlrP2EA7U5R7kZozYLZZB~FJUadCSdRukGaOkQB6-nmt0teCG5~rCxxSC0TNRffJ8RWTfMyOAEG0PcD7wavjFRDz1TI0PO5A~ifWl1Jiw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Cape Coral, FL ","date","2025-03-12T00:00:00Z","article","City consultants briefed the CRA March 12 on a study of a proposed six-lane configuration for Cape Coral Parkway between Coronado Parkway and Del Prado Boulevard, describing safety data, travel-time impacts and parking-replacement needs.

Study findings: Consultants said travel-time measurements show heavy eastbound morning delays—one slide cited a travel time that can reach up to 56 minutes across the corridor during a weekday morning peak—and crash data across the five-year period reviewed show as many as 200 crashes per year, including rear-end, left-turn and sideswipe collisions. The team recommended signal retiming (an 11-intersection retiming from Chiquita to Del Prado is planned) and coordination with Lee County (which controls the traffic signals) to improve corridor travel times.

Parking and right-of-way impacts: The analysis identified roughly 1,194 linear feet of curbside parking adjacent to the travel lanes—equivalent to about 47 typical vehicle spaces—that could be displaced by the added travel lane and curb adjustments. The team is identifying potential replacement areas in adjacent segments where parking already exists and is also evaluating side streets for angled parking as a mitigation option. Consultants noted constraints such as trees in the clear zone (21 trees identified as conflicts), 19 concrete bollards and one fire hydrant that will require design solutions.

Design constraints and specific intersections: The Coronado intersection requires special treatment because high volumes of right-turning traffic make it necessary to retain the existing right-turn lane there; the project team is studying where to transition from two to three lanes in a way that preserves right-turn capacity and minimizes property acquisition. Right-of-way in some locations reaches the curb and sidewalk, leaving little room for expansion without taking property, but the team said design options—lane deflection, curb reconfiguration and limited acquisition—are being studied.

Next steps and timeline: The study is at roughly 30% completion for design and data collection; consultants will continue weekend and weekday occupancy counts, refine retiming plans with the county, coordinate with the city arborist on tree impacts and produce final plans suitable for project bidding. No construction schedule or final cost estimates were presented to the CRA at this meeting.

Ending: Commissioners asked about potential near-term mitigation, the availability of angled-parking conversion on side streets, and a target corridor level of service; consultants said the project aims for acceptable arterial level of service (level D or better) and will return with refined findings and recommendations.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting - March 12, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Consultants reported a 30%-complete study for converting Cape Coral Parkway (between Coronado and Del Prado) to six lanes, citing up to 200 crashes per year on the corridor, long morning eastbound travel times, and an estimated loss of about 47 curbside parking spaces that will need reallocation.","taxTitle","Cape Coral City, Lee County, Florida","taxId",4188,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6096868,"Bimini East demolition continues; CRA reports 26 of 43 structures removed and seeks council approval for four additional parcels",208,4532000,4740000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2830372-f19088453c28b2c9ff60916a48273251&start=4532&end=4740","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2830372-f19088453c28b2c9ff60916a48273251/thumbnail_4532000.jpg","/articles/6096868/Cape-Coral-City/Lee-County/Florida/Bimini-East-demolition-continues-CRA-reports-26-of-43-structures-removed-and-seeks-council-approval-for-four-additional-parcels","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6096868-02a2ce2faf08dbf9ee2969b788d6d422/orig.mp4?Expires=1771151505&Signature=hq2nHdqNJlmsg3aUzlNDwHfSFj78hgq~I9kLNkOpZrT5t-FucKQkqsmLDTeA79cNPM-BAxFoWOuX4U1sIj2MmeV8rQyTu4MZ6Cn~kr9LKks1gTA3Uvj8spvc61qSf8UA-7k50qmslzSqRKCx-9mWRvegIz54DazP8eoeu5YKOlhIeWrFlSsUvto9-K-ic3Q7d7ickr63O6yWT4yK1D41~gdnkCQ-zwqiC4bB8B66ey6xMhepkc5y7Z-5f0-qIvnzubV2XLxO74a1Zoxy3Sebl6xdyPeRf3kbybsprufMWtTDpS6IgDSX4lJLyBHbJPxVQg1gQMATtAfDzXzE0rx0GQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","CRA staff provided a detailed update March 12 on the Bimini East demolition project, summarizing the timeline, contractor activity and additional property acquisitions that expand the original scope.

Timeline and progress: The CRA and city entered an interlocal agreement in August and closed on initial properties in October. A demolition contract was awarded to Hansch Demolition in December; a notice to proceed was signed January 9. Staff reported that demolition began Jan. 21 and that the contractor has now fully demolished 26 of the 43 originally scoped structures. Staff said buildings of different types take different times to remove: single-family or duplex sites typically take about two days; two-story, larger concrete buildings can take a week.

Additional property acquisitions and council action: Staff told the board the CRA has purchased additional parcels since the contract bid and that four more parcels not included in the original contract will be proposed to city council on April 2 for a total purchase price of $200,791 (which includes a 10% contingency). Because the parcels were not part of the initial bid, staff said the CRA will present a separate resolution to authorize the added work and funds at city council.

Operational notes and co-benefits: Staff said demolition work required silt fencing and disconnecting utilities (water, sewer, LCEC electric) before tearing structures down. They also noted that police and fire departments have used unoccupied buildings for training during the project. For the Cove at 47, parking equipment has been installed; staff said they will not reimburse the developer for parking equipment until a final certificate of occupancy (CO) is issued. Staff also noted that once a parking easement is executed (expected to return to the CRA in May), the CRA will have guiding authority over public parking operations in the Cove’s public parking areas.

Ending: CRA staff said the project continues on an active demolition schedule and will return with a fuller update in two months. The board asked staff to present the April 2 council item for the four additional parcels and confirmed demolition will continue while staff seek the council authorization and related funding.","CRA staff reported demolition progress at Bimini East—26 of 43 structures fully demolished—and said the CRA will ask city council on April 2 to allocate $200,791 (including contingency) to acquire four additional parcels for the project and add them to the demolition contract.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6096873,"CRA introduces enhanced code-enforcement officer; staff report early compliance and ongoing cases",241,1959000,2200000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2830372-f19088453c28b2c9ff60916a48273251&start=1959&end=2200","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2830372-f19088453c28b2c9ff60916a48273251/thumbnail_1959000.jpg","/articles/6096873/Cape-Coral-City/Lee-County/Florida/CRA-introduces-enhanced-code-enforcement-officer-staff-report-early-compliance-and-ongoing-cases","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6096873-b0c745e17f072747d0aa5df841bdb64f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771151505&Signature=ELQk~YVWpLZFd8U4nAMqFbc1t2P60nuyFN9~Y6L2Byz3zCHZZx6FBCiBbvArqxK-a6xHPoqjuKQDxG4oxIvXdAmYh1kqYoI--1~WQhT59KKrTvji2WUvwG4oB7gvlwKsTUs4W83ko8KpwAQkWSKb-RAywAi6CwbKXi7KXkADKO2xAwvjboGQkoPcf3v6v90pUnfv-5k~MQnr8Id8EDGEvqmqsQ9pceZRtyxUbT-LUVHewFF4tzfE80ncrrFm00fNFSnsTh75gLj2mDlogE7tuNSZbqdD9~zkYEZl0LQdX87Yb1OcJ4HTqnInPek6Rz-utBmGl7r~VvTPSU6o7UPJ-A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cape Coral Community Redevelopment Agency received an update March 12 on enhanced code-enforcement activity in the CRA area after the agency assigned a dedicated compliance officer to the downtown core.

Todd Hoagland, code compliance manager, introduced Code Officer Patrick Mercado as the enhanced services officer. Mercado said initial patrols and inspections along Del Prado, Coronado and the blocks north and south of Cape Coral Parkway produced a mix of voluntary compliance and cases requiring enforcement: unpermitted construction, five ongoing cases tied to the city’s 50% rule that prompted stop-work orders, and multiple sanitation, outdoor storage and vehicle-storage issues that generated notices and removals.

Why it matters: CRA staff said cleaning visible blight and ensuring businesses maintain landscaping and remove outdoor storage are part of a broader redevelopment strategy to attract investment; commissioners asked for periodic updates and before/after documentation to monitor progress.

Key findings: Mercado reported a number of businesses lacked business tax receipts (BTRs) and certificates of use; the city clerk’s office is processing those as code cases are generated. He described work that included towing commercial vehicles stored in vacant lots, removing abandoned trailers and resolving encampments or occupants in dumpster enclosures. Todd Hoagland and other staff said voluntary compliance—staff conversations that led owners to correct visual blight—was a major early success.

Requests and next steps: Commissioners asked for recurring monthly or bi-monthly standing reports with photos to show enforcement results; staff agreed to provide periodic updates and to refine the report content as the program moves from an initial cleanup list to longer-term maintenance and expanded coverage if warranted.

Ending: Commissioners indicated they would evaluate staffing and scope later in the year after a sustained reporting period; staff said the enhanced enforcement program is still early and may expand if results and resources justify it.","The CRA assigned a dedicated enhanced code compliance officer for the CRA core and reported initial results: voluntary compliance improvements, several active code cases including stop‑work orders, and ongoing property-maintenance and BTR (business tax receipt) follow-ups.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6096877,"CRA approves two special-event sponsorships, hits budget ceiling and authorizes transfers",830,1080000,1910000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2830372-f19088453c28b2c9ff60916a48273251&start=1080&end=1910","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2830372-f19088453c28b2c9ff60916a48273251/thumbnail_1080000.jpg","/articles/6096877/Cape-Coral-City/Lee-County/Florida/CRA-approves-two-special-event-sponsorships-hits-budget-ceiling-and-authorizes-transfers","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6096877-a484969f456c6864e00d481010200a18/orig.mp4?Expires=1771151505&Signature=h0Ec~UX~ss8zzNt-Ojb5K57gDkx6HpjqyBw4HkCEnjVKj2WrPUbVm8RtoAeyoG5sHks6kgWPdXycic1RZUH3d16eKAwAmJUIW37B7L9Cuq~iqTrt86cLicfFH3ehQd8s8ZnX43l-aWl8h7cpKE8dVKbHvNbXMls4uY9C6rrfN6hl5kKKdwpDzl-t1koO7TL-wwhll01cwqu73lFAEWsdiNAsVWBy4tfi1C5TXL24NuIfdE~StuH0JQcU444JnqtrzNPnd-BeD4NWbvTMsXhW4bxVM3amNxYdTxo5CLUEG-DRFdVkKfnNl0oGnnR3xFuuJcH0UwESW5ywO6FO0mZJIw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cape Coral Community Redevelopment Agency voted March 12 to approve two special-event sponsorship applications that together exceed the board’s $60,000 line item for events and to authorize staff to transfer funds to cover the shortfall.

The board approved a $5,000 sponsorship for Red, White and Boom, hosted by the city’s Parks and Recreation Department, and a $3,959 sponsorship for the 2025 Touch-a-Truck event sponsored by the Fragile X Foundation. Maureen Vice, assistant to the city manager, told the board $5,000 is the CRA’s maximum per sponsorship and warned that approving both requests would create a deficit of $4,721.25 above the $60,000 the board budgeted for special events unless the board authorized a budget transfer.

Why it matters: Commissioners said the current budget was based on previous years’ event funding levels and that the board should consider a consolidated list of recurring applicants when setting the FY 2026 special-events allocation so the CRA does not repeatedly use transfers to cover routine spending.

Discussion and vote: Maureen Vice said finance confirmed sufficient funds exist to cover the two sponsorships if the board authorized transfers. Commissioner Lastra and others said staff should prepare a list of traditional applicants so the board could set a more accurate funding ceiling in the next budget. Commissioner Gunther asked whether the program’s objective is to subsidize long-standing events or to seed new events; he argued the CRA should prioritize bringing new events into the district rather than indefinitely subsidizing established events.

Commissioners moved to approve the applications and to authorize staff to make necessary fund transfers; the clerk conducted a roll-call vote and recorded unanimous approval (ayes recorded across roll call). The motion carried.","The CRA approved $5,000 for Red, White and Boom and $3,959 for a Touch-a-Truck event, and authorized staff to transfer funds to cover an overage above the $60,000 special-events budget.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6096882,"CRA outlines fixes for delayed fire-department connections on 40 Seventh and Club Square",3316,234000,3550000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2830372-f19088453c28b2c9ff60916a48273251&start=234&end=3550","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2830372-f19088453c28b2c9ff60916a48273251/thumbnail_234000.jpg","/articles/6096882/Cape-Coral-City/Lee-County/Florida/CRA-outlines-fixes-for-delayed-fire-department-connections-on-40-Seventh-and-Club-Square","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6096882-097c332c98311e17847bbb0e07ad6975/orig.mp4?Expires=1771151505&Signature=lqsokQkm2oGyGHuX9qdHADN1Bf95yAVyz~wogN0dyif-DJ9uAkOnZyLMTxxWZRfkJBjGu8sNd4Z5fVkLseZcrmRCOb6Yc0zZFfQ-V60ySFa9yj7u7EGqISH5ddNFj6u~~uic4VRF8PUNn8-f9DBElCiPT6zhummc6CXr-UyEysvcYq4zrPB-cmUYU9WHBlFhAo-d~KOxGYJ1GO0iEkgUj-rZqfZhse5Cl5oVK0WwzC1rJE6r5pFX7zCkWwYabw0N5LVZQQ3kmqB7k0t9ObKw609S731Flhl2ABg4AkUrC29zmSzjLpeTzVgN8lrYBPGsOrOdJTolPz1sARWTXvsWjw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cape Coral Community Redevelopment Agency on March 12 reviewed a multi-year effort to add secondary fire-department connections (FDCs) behind privately owned buildings on 40 Seventh Street and at Club Square, saying the scope and cost grew after code and plumbing requirements were identified.

The project was originally overseen by an outside consultant and contractor, but the CRA later hired an internal project manager and then transferred management to CRA project manager Zach Gogol, who is leading the current effort, Executive Director (title used in the meeting) said. The work is intended to give firefighters rear access to the buildings during events when streets along the front are closed.

Why it matters: CRA officials said the upgrades are safety-driven because street closures for events can impede emergency response if only front-of-building connections are available. The board discussed how earlier project assumptions underestimated technical needs and how code changes expanded the scope.

CRA staff described how the original concept—punching a secondary connection through walls—proved inadequate when designers and contractors completed permit reviews. Permit discovery showed that required fire-department backflow assemblies and domestic potable-water backflows were outdated and needed replacement to meet current codes, increasing the project’s scope. Staff said they walked every affected building with the new contractor to identify specific conflicts with utilities, electrical boxes and lot-line constraints, and to locate each new FDC as far from the building as practicable within the 40-foot clearance requirement referenced in city code discussion.

Commissioners pressed staff on timeline and prior project management. Commissioner Gunther said he pulled the consent item to hear a summary and asked why the city had taken over project management. Commissioner Long and others traced the contract history to 2020 and asked whether the city’s later involvement followed failed project execution by earlier contractors. Commissioner Kilrain pointed to resolutions dating to 02/19/2020 as the origin of the project, and others said the current scope appears to reflect what should have been in the original planning.

Staff confirmed the CRA intends to fully fund the work; the Executive Director said the project was designed to be funded entirely by the CRA. Staff also explained that enlarging pipe sizes and upgrading connections triggered downstream requirements (for example, replacement or upgrading of backflow preventers) that were not included in earlier scopes. Commissioners asked whether potable-water backflow devices are typically city-funded; staff said those devices are part of private utility connections and the project design links potable and fire water systems, which is why the CRA work triggered upgrades.

Project status and next steps: Zach Gogol reported the design/specification work has been completed to the point of selecting a new contractor, walk-throughs with building owners have been performed, and staff expect to finish the remaining construction and permitting steps so the FDCs can be installed. He told the board he would return with further timeline and cost detail as the contractor completes access and permitting. No final cost tally or construction completion date was specified during the discussion.

Ending: Commissioners who spoke urged stronger internal project management going forward and asked staff to ensure future projects are scoped by personnel with commercial-construction and fire-protection experience. Staff said the current approach reflects lessons learned from the earlier phase and should move the work to final completion.","The Cape Coral CRA described steps to complete fire-department connections (FDCs) behind commercial buildings on 40 Seventh Street and Club Square, saying the work expanded after code and backflow upgrades were discovered and that the CRA would fund the work.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Six-lane study for Cape Coral Parkway shows crash history and parking tradeoffs; engineers eye retiming and parking reallocation

Bimini East demolition continues; CRA reports 26 of 43 structures removed and seeks council approval for four additional parcels

CRA introduces enhanced code-enforcement officer; staff report early compliance and ongoing cases

CRA approves two special-event sponsorships, hits budget ceiling and authorizes transfers

CRA outlines fixes for delayed fire-department connections on 40 Seventh and Club Square