Residents urge delay, more transparency on Cape Coral yacht club Phase 2

Multiple residents told the Cape Coral City Council on July 15 they want the council to delay or reconsider the yacht club Phase 2 work, citing unanswered questions about scope, access and project costs.

Charles Crane asked the council to "reconsider Resolution 150‑26" and called for a motion to delay the yacht club portion of that resolution "until after the November elections, or at least delay the contract award," arguing that delay is "prudent" while legislative or funding changes could affect the project. Tom Shadrach told the council he believed the Phase 2 engineering illustrations "look like that puts in the whole infrastructure" and warned that the plan appears to eliminate existing parking and public access without clear funding for other phases.

Speakers raised specific cost concerns. One commenter cited a $35,000,000 figure for Phase 2 and another noted a broader price tag for the yacht club project, saying the balance runs into the tens of millions. Charles Crane argued that $20,000,000 in cash could build two fire stations or a fleet maintenance facility, and that the remainder earmarked for the yacht club should be reconsidered by future councils if needed.

Council member Kaduk asked City Manager to provide details this week: specifically, whether Phase 2 "eliminate[s] parking and public access to the beach," and what utilities and hardscape work Phase 2 would include. The council did not take a motion to delay at the meeting; speakers asked the council to consider postponement until after the November election if reconsideration is denied.

The matter is tied to prior council action (Resolution 150‑26, passed 5–3 on June 3) and to other agenda items and RFPs discussed by residents; council members said they would follow up with staff and return with factual clarifications for residents.