Neighbors press council over 54-unit proposal on Southwest 20th Avenue, cite traffic, parking and flooding worries

Several residents spoke during citizen input at the April 16 Cape Coral City Council meeting to oppose a proposed 54-unit multifamily development at 2811 Southwest 20th Avenue.

Kevin Murphy and John Cozer, who live on Southwest 20th Avenue, said the street is already busy with school buses, delivery trucks and construction traffic and that the proposed development—planned to include 119 parking spaces for 54 units—could intensify parking, pedestrian safety and drainage problems. Murphy noted an exceptional thunderstorm in January 2024 had flooded Southwest 20th Avenue and said he was concerned whether the development’s drainage plans would be sufficient.

Cozer said the project represents a much higher density than surrounding lots, estimating the parcel could accommodate about 15 single-family lots at existing neighborhood densities compared to the 54 units proposed. Neighbors asked whether on-street parking would be allowed if on-site spaces filled and asked for assurances that landscaping and the developer’s commitments would be enforced at the permitting stage.

Councilmembers responded that staff from the Development & Community Development (DCD) department would meet with the residents to review plan details and answer specific concerns. Councilmember Lee, whose district includes the neighborhood, said she is seeking renderings and site plans from the developer and pledged to continue following the item. Councilmember Kilraine recommended that the residents meet with DCD to obtain additional information about required traffic and drainage analyses.

No formal council action occurred on the item during the meeting; staff encouraged residents to use scheduled follow-up meetings and existing review processes to resolve technical questions.