[{"_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",6561012,"mediaKeyId","3302157-1d15a202c06e9e77375e12dc5022aa37","parentId",3302157,"title","Cape Coral Parkway six-lane project: consultants say signal retiming helps, on-street parking loss offset by new lots","audioSeconds",354,"startMs",4566000,"endMs",4920000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3302157-1d15a202c06e9e77375e12dc5022aa37&start=4566&end=4920","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3302157-1d15a202c06e9e77375e12dc5022aa37/thumbnail_4566000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6561012/Cape-Coral-City/Lee-County/Florida/Cape-Coral-Parkway-six-lane-project-consultants-say-signal-retiming-helps-on-street-parking-loss-offset-by-new-lots","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6561012-7ec10417199d7ce7f5438d72ffd772cb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771197285&Signature=DWX1LnyW2g3NGGaXGfmx9II3MnZl3smljYFDEzFavpZqKixbs9hV~pyvvxiytff6mwS~fbAdA2c9GvvAtkeW4~KZnqgIakHh3Jrncz64WyCKiTrYJFWuaCdJ9rhj4Hz4BFMEzxQAtuvuMDLuZTmGY63xD7owTmiMCBC6l04UZYQQGHDFhaTs6Fek9NFeoxOP-etEfmzeWMwUId37jSIL-yzV4DJV4KaedD887HnXkAfkxv~jW6cL07BrYimjqSSJS~ruhMCCl-txbMXI7TQm59oNoWgwN1xeg7A~3-e0hl8bMoss9FFqK55f9NR6fXBjFyQVT7qDsATgxAfQNsO3Pg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Cape Coral, FL","date","2025-05-14T18:50:22.893Z","article","City staff and consultants presented a progress update on the Cape Coral Parkway six-lane study at the May 14 CRA meeting, describing signal retiming benefits, parking impacts and options to preserve access to downtown businesses.

Principal engineer Wendy Williams said consultant modeling shows delay reductions of roughly 4.5 minutes eastbound in the morning peak and about 1.2 minutes westbound in the afternoon under improved signal timing and lane configurations. She said the consultant will present final recommendations to the CRA on July 30 and that staff are coordinating with Lee County’s bridge redesign team because the bridge configuration affects the Parkway work.

Williams said about 60 on-street parking spaces along Cape Coral Parkway would be removed under the preferred lane plan, but that the CRA’s planned off-street parking lots (the two Vincennes lots described by the CRA project manager) and other nearby parking and angled-street parking would more than compensate for the on-street loss within a short walking distance. She and CRA project staff said a public wayfinding and communication plan would mark new public parking areas and that construction of lots will precede major on-street removals where practical.

Several commissioners and downtown business owners raised concerns about walking distances from new lots to storefronts, heat and seasonality for older residents and snowbirds, and the timing of coordination with the bridge project. Director of Public Works Matt Williams said widening alone is not a silver bullet but that increasing storage capacity and improving signal coordination will reduce queues; he emphasized that access-control and other design measures will be evaluated to limit left-turn conflicts that create delays.

Why it matters: Cape Coral Parkway is the main east–west artery and the gateway to the South Cape CRA area. Changes to lane configuration and parking will affect downtown access, traffic flow and business visibility.

Details and next steps: Consultants will return July 30 with a final design recommendation. Staff plan supplemental parking, angled-street additions and wayfinding to mitigate on-street losses; the CRA project team will continue coordination on construction schedules and business outreach.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting - May 14, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","City engineers and consultants updated the CRA on the Cape Coral Parkway six-lane study, reporting signal retiming benefits, an estimated loss of about 60 on-street spaces and plans to offset parking with nearby off-street lots and other measures.","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},6561017,"CRA project manager reports Bimini East demolition, new parking lots and streetlight work; Bimini Square garage capped",1757,5210000,6967000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3302157-1d15a202c06e9e77375e12dc5022aa37&start=5210&end=6967","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3302157-1d15a202c06e9e77375e12dc5022aa37/thumbnail_5210000.jpg","/articles/6561017/Cape-Coral-City/Lee-County/Florida/CRA-project-manager-reports-Bimini-East-demolition-new-parking-lots-and-streetlight-work-Bimini-Square-garage-capped","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6561017-cdc8906a7ab18f2366bf288e70b554b9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771197285&Signature=j1q3EZKIe9eWP-9dAU54XeG0CgbHY4xVzJ3vFfFCWXKAHlb0eGRdX0ysotLZXRGg-HOCFPPvmr4c~nGBgp2vHvZjOxaw3ZHOSMwL11Xyr7vVmzYXWWNx6O1Q6hFgxYNVxFP0X7cY5MOgdVJ8l1eiw70FtKD7c0EMWG43CQhRFVL9BuqsTsX9BwvhgC2QAsX8fA54CPqp0UM-Zg8Sa5eUywmh8nZITn89H7pMuT7IoclhyvcT9yumQvnKMRA533eSgprbK9U-KpPp-2gRKADpmiF2s~mmdSf6KloOygenNQHUeuI9DMek225-iZIw0fbu26JMfDgfoIQ2LTu4P1alCw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","CRA project manager Zach Gogol updated the agency on capital projects, reporting that demolition work in Bimini East is nearing completion, new public parking lots are advancing to design, streetlight replacement contracts are being finalized and the Bimini Square parking garage recently capped its structure.

Gogol said the CRA has been working on projects including a 40-space (approx.) lot at 4642 Vincennes and a roughly 20-space lot at 4813 Vincennes; both parking-lot projects are moving through design and will provide off-street spaces intended to replace on-street capacity lost with other roadway changes. He said the City expects Big Belly solar compactors to ship imminently and that the CRA will deploy about 10 units in the downtown area.

On the palm-tree median beautification project, staff reported a proposed additional FY2026 allocation of $757,000 to bring the project’s total to roughly $2,260,000 so it can proceed to final design and construction. Gogol also described a planned replacement of older decorative streetlight poles on Cape Coral Parkway (Del Prado to Palm Tree), with procurement and production timelines that could put completion near Dec. 1 of the year in the presentation timeline.

On Bimini East, Gogol said the CRA has demolished most structures (roughly 45 buildings identified earlier in demolition maps) and is finishing grading and swale work; staff plan to issue an RFP for redevelopment mid‑June, expect proposal evaluations and interviews through September and hope to have contracts executed by year-end. He said the Bimini Square parking garage structure has been capped and that residential occupancy for portions of the development is targeted for September, with a waterfront restaurant expected around Thanksgiving.

Other project highlights included downtown utility-box public art, an active Palm Tree Park conceptual design selection process, and work on fire-department connections (FDCs) and hydrants at Club Square properties. Gogol said he expects to return additional updates at the July meeting.

Why it matters: The projects shape downtown walkability, parking capacity, waterfront access and the visual character of the CRA district. The Bimini East demolition and planned RFP mark a major redevelopment step in the CRA.","CRA project manager Zach Gogol provided updates on multiple capital projects including demolition in Bimini East, two new public parking lots, streetlight pole replacement, Big Belly compactors, the Palm Tree median beautification and the Bimini Square parking garage.",{"_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},6561022,"CRA code compliance officer reports enforcement, blight cleanup and outreach in South Cape",552,4311000,4863000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3302157-1d15a202c06e9e77375e12dc5022aa37&start=4311&end=4863","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3302157-1d15a202c06e9e77375e12dc5022aa37/thumbnail_4311000.jpg","/articles/6561022/Cape-Coral-City/Lee-County/Florida/CRA-code-compliance-officer-reports-enforcement-blight-cleanup-and-outreach-in-South-Cape","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6561022-86f372af4c1e7622d6fed1a4545bfe90/orig.mp4?Expires=1771197285&Signature=a0TegAyiJIN9Sj5vsWwNSZ4-O5INtD5TRENukN2O~aqwUjpgYJdVGFgG~FJ2RK96jM6KhgAdyWUu9F5QPiSbC5azIjAiGzBasFNXW9z16MfZZxUY-1E-tf4fdiaTcPK3167fPSdFGBcbllJgfvPW3-lYVB91ONW8KpzQsjsPVal86S5qfhrzKTxZOEFebh8mDd7Yzodt5gRisolTwruUmNdAAG4HWDJaYrjdc~PKOWDgAldw9t~rCmx4HwQz9olvivZ~AIttc3BZDydv3SktEqMDJnGcvAmCJWfS3UcdiFCR-G3g0QWwosrmnumXo8LHCfNf6BQKHKReUMD6uBJ7Mg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The CRA’s contracted code compliance officer provided a monthly update on enforcement and clean-up activities in the South Cape CRA district on May 14, highlighting a mix of proactive education, site checks and targeted enforcement.

The officer said site checks captured a range of issues, including encampments addressed under the city’s camping ordinance, an instance of brick veneer collapse at a building on Cape Coral Parkway, unpermitted signage and multiple concurrent violations at single properties (for example, a business with a stationary food truck, outdoor dining without permits, unpermitted signage and missing business tax receipts). The officer said he had submitted about 150 photos documenting issues and enforcement work to the CRA project manager.

Other examples included an overfilled dumpster enclosure at a hotel property (reported as on the Holiday Inn property) that was quickly remediated after facilities management and communications; dilapidated awnings at a dry cleaner; recurring graffiti at a property on 40 Seventh Terrace; and a debris pile at a commercial office that required coordination with Waste Pro and city staff to remove.

Commissioners praised the educational approach that combines outreach and clear instruction with citations when necessary. Commissioner Don (first name not specified) thanked the officer for visible improvements in the CRA, and the executive director noted the high volume of voluntary compliance and signaled the possibility of a future business-rejuvenation award recognizing improvements.

Why it matters: Regular code compliance and visible maintenance are central to downtown revitalization strategies; the report shows a mix of enforcement and partnership with businesses to remove blight and improve safety and aesthetics in the CRA district.

Details and next steps: The CRA’s code compliance officer will continue targeted site checks, follow up on unresolved issues, and coordinate with the project manager and city services for removal of bulk debris and enforcement actions when education does not produce compliance.","The CRA’s contracted code compliance officer described site checks, multiple-violation properties, alleyway and sanitation issues, and examples of remediation; commissioners commended an education-first approach and volunteer maintenance work was highlighted.",{"_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},6561027,"CRA delays decision on Slip Away food-truck park and marina; developers seek TIF and building-improvement grant",2290,2133000,4423000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3302157-1d15a202c06e9e77375e12dc5022aa37&start=2133&end=4423","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3302157-1d15a202c06e9e77375e12dc5022aa37/thumbnail_2133000.jpg","/articles/6561027/Cape-Coral-City/Lee-County/Florida/CRA-delays-decision-on-Slip-Away-food-truck-park-and-marina-developers-seek-TIF-and-building-improvement-grant","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6561027-a7e90521af341b08d8c389483e062c31/orig.mp4?Expires=1771197285&Signature=eXifUAqZNRlGTQLSTxsCfeyv1oOnwrXsOInFncsKpVNimTMs9z-zalC1OJvrcvnGTMv0HQwCqiE3yqa7IFf-BVFYb3JXPT4pJv5ZHdQqlzv64eYPDE2boGXkZ26mL-7-dtPfK1e00op5G7kmxbq0mlpkhemOkBGp707iNF9j0Za5AhR1DJVX9jnDahfTK2maKHGPEfGSwYgUWq9L5XkFEiAuSa-7CX7CDN-scGTURqg1oCXbOSlUHRf~bNYBxNT5e9iI1NAXrN9ixvmnPlSEyJnwZyGg~t7UrIna3Nhqs-TIxoF-6gkPFlo2Gbw8deZLpXRacva~6NwRfFwiFSWt-g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Developers seeking public support for the Slip Away Food Truck Park and Marina at 1811 Cape Coral Parkway described a waterfront food-and-boat destination and asked the CRA for two forms of support: a $250,000 building improvement grant (BIG) and a request for tax-increment financing (TIF) assistance.

Sharon Woodbury, the city’s economic development manager, said the developer submitted a $250,000 BIG application and a separate amended TIF request for $1,000,000. Woodbury said staff did not have time to finalize a report before the meeting but presented a staff recommendation for a TIF award of up to $726,561 over 10 years and a BIG award of $250,000, based on guidelines used for the CRA’s enhanced value recapture program.

Annette Barbacha, planning consultant for the applicant, described the project as a 3.1-acre waterfront redevelopment at the foot of the bridge, with an open-air pavilion (about 5,200 square feet and 154 seats), six smaller shaded pavilions, up to 10 food-truck pads with utility hookups, a ship store, about 30 boat slips and roughly 120 parking spaces. Barbacha and developer partner Jeff Myloff said project costs were presented in March 2025 at about $19.4 million; the development team said additional work to meet bridge redesign and utility extension needs has increased on-site expenses.

Developers asked the CRA to consider TIF funding directly so the project could access both city and county ad valorem tax increments; staff estimated the recommended TIF figure using a 50% capture over 10 years under the CRA’s guideline framework. Commissioners questioned whether all requested infrastructure costs met the CRA’s business-infrastructure eligibility criteria and discussed whether only marina-related expenses should be considered eligible. One commissioner also noted the application arrived late (March 31) and that the project is near completion, and asked whether the full commission should be present to provide direction.

Before discussion, one commissioner announced a recusal under Florida Statute 112.3143 because two minority owners of the Slip Away property had a potential conflict; the commissioner participated in discussion but did not vote. Because several members of council were absent, the executive director recommended, and commissioners approved, continuing the matter to the CRA’s July 30 meeting so a full commission could consider funding. A motion to open and continue the matter to the July 30, 2025 CRA meeting passed 5–0.

Why it matters: The project would add waterfront access, permanent and construction jobs, and new taxable value to the CRA district, but it also raises questions about what types of private development costs the CRA should subsidize and whether the public subsidy requested is proportionate to the public benefit.

Details: Staff’s recommendation included a TIF award up to $726,561 over 10 years and a $250,000 BIG grant; developers asked for up to $1,000,000 in TIF assistance. Staff and developers cited Florida statute section 163.37 (CRA Act) and the CRA’s redevelopment plan as supporting marina and waterfront-improvement funding. The item will be continued to the CRA’s July 30 meeting for further consideration.","Developers of the Slip Away Food Truck Park and Marina presented a $19.4 million waterfront development and requested a $250,000 building improvement grant and up to $1 million in tax-increment financing; CRA staff recommended a TIF award up to $726,561 over 10 years and the item was continued to July 30 after a commissioner recused.",{"_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},6561032,"Cape Coral CRA adopts FY2026 budget; moving event sponsorships to city and approves potential Founders Park dock funding",439,451000,890000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3302157-1d15a202c06e9e77375e12dc5022aa37&start=451&end=890","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3302157-1d15a202c06e9e77375e12dc5022aa37/thumbnail_451000.jpg","/articles/6561032/Cape-Coral-City/Lee-County/Florida/Cape-Coral-CRA-adopts-FY2026-budget-moving-event-sponsorships-to-city-and-approves-potential-Founders-Park-dock-funding","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6561032-04c5847b061b486814e5a992a7e97e0a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771197285&Signature=QXs05atDoZBw4PRJJdyGyNpDD7UsAB5sibX1Ck~cSHffe~TfysMhAHeyZaMPdvThOOawbgP7IsqOx4BrPpXNRXqma6nNsqlEKpJmVSWgsCh-UV9XMV~p5yk4oyyNFAppZ6kKgC9QUbYJE2OwSsvqPGnacv0JHcPBEmfybwAode3egPwX6VDlNDBLrNMtAXQfMgEfWBGFZMjvqTNoK44K-9RuAoTJ4qHQEZ9HUJtfzevnZ~FfAb~NTbR1iVaJZfuAtfNIuhst~zNwU7rN11Ynk7ljyb7Z59QaA6vSsjNnJ3etnqvs1UYw11ET2i4cXQIQHyo2hKHu3VPGYL63cR3IIQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cape Coral Community Redevelopment Agency on May 14 approved a proposed fiscal year 2026 budget that staff described as structurally balanced and aimed at advancing ongoing capital projects and downtown improvements.

Budget administrator Nicole Reitler presented the FY2026 proposal, saying the CRA’s budget includes forecasting a 6.5% taxable-growth assumption and reflects a reduction from five to four CRA-funded positions, with the city’s code compliance division assigned to support the CRA and be reimbursed for that work. Reitler said the FY2026 budget equals about $7,000,001,947 and listed line items including $2,900,000 in tax increment revenue from Lee County, $4,000,000 in an increment transfer from the City, and planned transfers of roughly $4.9 million to capital projects.

The CRA-approved operating items include $545,000 for economic development incentives, $153,000 for enhanced policing, $60,159 for enhanced code services and central services/property management charges of about $417,000. Reitler also told commissioners the CRA removed $90,000 from its operating budget for event sponsorships; those dollars were moved into the city’s Parks and Recreation budget to cover event costs.

Chair and commissioners discussed the change before the vote. Several commissioners said they supported moving the sponsorship money out of the CRA now to avoid potential legislative challenges to CRA-funded events in future sessions, and to preserve the CRA’s redevelopment focus for capital needs such as streetscapes and sidewalks. Commissioner Lastra asked that groups that had previously received CRA event funding — for example Art Fest and similar longtime local events — be notified that CRA funding will not be available going forward; the executive director agreed to notify those organizations.

Commissioner Lehman moved approval of the FY2026 budget as presented and additionally asked staff to create a capital project for waterfront access at Founders Park (a small dock) and to return with a budget amendment should project savings be available from decorative streetlight or other budgets. Staff said they would develop a cost estimate and, if funds become available during FY2026, return with a formal budget amendment. The motion passed on a roll-call vote with six ayes and no nos.

Why it matters: CRA budget choices govern how tax-increment and city resources are used to advance downtown redevelopment, public realm work and economic-incentive programs. Moving event sponsorships into the city general fund shifts those costs away from the CRA’s redevelopment dollars and signals a prioritization of capital projects and infrastructure inside the CRA district.

Details and next steps: Staff will prepare any required budget amendments and project estimates for the proposed Founders Park dock and return to the CRA for formal approval. The CRA will continue to report monthly on project status and on execution of the FY2026 budget.

Speakers quoted in this article are those who spoke on this item during the meeting: Nicole Reitler, budget administrator for the City of Cape Coral; Commissioner Kilroy; Commissioner Gunther; Commissioner Lastra; Commissioner Lehman; Executive Director (title used in meeting).","The Cape Coral Community Redevelopment Agency approved its proposed FY2026 budget, moved $90,000 in event sponsorship funding into the city parks budget, and approved creating a capital project to pursue a small Founders Park waterfront access (dock) if leftover funds become available.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Cape Coral Parkway six-lane project: consultants say signal retiming helps, on-street parking loss offset by new lots

CRA project manager reports Bimini East demolition, new parking lots and streetlight work; Bimini Square garage capped

CRA code compliance officer reports enforcement, blight cleanup and outreach in South Cape

CRA delays decision on Slip Away food-truck park and marina; developers seek TIF and building-improvement grant

Cape Coral CRA adopts FY2026 budget; moving event sponsorships to city and approves potential Founders Park dock funding