Cape Coral citizens voice frustration over water issues and city project mismanagement

Concerns over city management and project funding dominated the Cape Coral City Council meeting on May 7, 2025, as residents voiced frustrations about ongoing issues and the handling of city projects.

A key point of contention was the JC Park project, which has faced criticism for its management and escalating costs. One resident, Jeff Lockhart, expressed disappointment over the lack of transparency regarding the project's origins and the previous council's decision-making. He emphasized the need for clarity on the resolutions being passed, suggesting they appear to be driven by council members rather than city management.

Residents also raised alarms about the city's water supply issues, questioning the approval of new apartment complexes amid existing shortages. Lockhart pointed out that the city has been aware of potential water problems for years but has not adequately addressed them.

Another resident, Karen Nies, criticized the council's decision to allocate an additional $74,000 for the parks master plan while many existing projects remain unfinished. She highlighted the need for fiscal responsibility, noting that previous projects like Festival Park and the yacht club have not been completed, raising concerns about the city's financial management.

Julia Tari echoed these sentiments, arguing that the city is overstaffed at the management level while failing to adequately compensate city workers. She called for a forensic audit to assess the city's financial practices, expressing frustration over rising utility rates and the impact on residents.

Council member Lassiter responded to concerns about staffing, clarifying that the recent addition of an assistant city manager was a repurposing of an existing position, not an increase in payroll. He defended the city's leadership structure, stating that Cape Coral remains lean compared to other cities.

The meeting underscored a growing discontent among residents regarding city governance and project management, with many calling for greater accountability and transparency from their elected officials. As the council moves forward, the implications of these discussions could shape future decisions and community trust in local government.