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Residents press council on wetlands, affordable housing and Airbnb during citizen input
Summary
Speakers at citizen input urged the city to conserve wetlands threatened by a proposed utility project at Redfish Point, criticized budget projections, complained about Airbnb noise and called out the success of the city’s new pickleball facility.
Several residents used the allotted public‑comment time to raise land‑use, financial and quality‑of‑life concerns for the council.
Joseph Benazia, a Southwest First Court resident, said neighbors surrounding the Redfish Point property have opposed development since 2021 and argued the wetlands there reduce storm surge and flood damages; he urged the council and Lee County to pursue conservation purchases rather than permitting an amendment to the future land‑use map that would allow development. "We have been in opposition to this since 2021," Benazia said, adding that wetlands reduced flood damages "25.5%" in prior hurricanes and that loss of the tract would remove local options to block conversion once a land‑use amendment and PUD process had begun.
Charles Crane questioned city revenue projections and requested clearer public disclosure about excess tax collections and how those sums will be used. Julia Tari raised concerns about a change to council rules and the effect on citizens’ ability to petition the council, and she urged clarity about concession contracts at JC Park and whether subletting rights exist. A resident identified as a nearby property owner described repeated Airbnb disturbances, property damage and requests for stronger code enforcement and larger fines for repeat violators.
Several speakers praised the Lake Kennedy Racquet Center after the recent Veolia Cape Coral Open pickleball tournament. City staff and council members noted attendance figures provided by the facility manager and the Professional Pickleball Association and said the event drew large crowds; council members and staff said the tournament may generate future tourism and capital investment.
Councilmembers and staff responded in turn: the mayor and City Manager thanked speakers and asked staff to stay engaged on the items raised; staff said specific questions about the budget and contract terms would be answered publicly where appropriate.
