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To the editor:
I am writing in response to recent letters from Joe Mazurkiewicz and David Don Hobley supporting the proposed Redfish Pointe rezoning. They argue that the rezoning and subsequent development would be responsible and beneficial for Cape Coral and its citizens. I respectfully disagree.
The land at Redfish Pointe has remained vacant for a reason: it is poorly suited for development. Proponents, including Miloff Aubuchon and their paid consultant Mr. Mazurkiewicz, compare the proposed development to Cape Harbour and Tarpon Point, but these comparisons are flawed. Cape Harbour and Tarpon Point boast prime waterfront locations with direct boat access and large protected marinas. In contrast, Redfish Pointe is situated over two football fields from the water, with no plans for a marina or meaningful waterfront access. What was allowed when Tarpon Point and Cape Harbour were built is likely not allowed now -- for good reason. The projected 2,000 jobs and $18 million in annual revenue hinge on replicating the success of Cape Harbour or Tarpon Point--an unrealistic expectation given the site's limitations.
Furthermore, the proposed access to the property raises serious concerns.
One plan involves a land swap with Rotary Park, requiring a road through an established conservation easement. This would necessitate substantial fill in low-lying areas, likely causing permanent hydrological damage to the park and proving cost-prohibitive for developers.
The alternative -- routing traffic through Southwest 1st Court, a 20-foot-wide residential street -- is even more problematic. Directing traffic from an 800-unit development and a 300-room hotel through a narrow residential road is irresponsible and suggests questionable planning assumptions.
While I support Cape Coral's need for jobs and a stronger commercial tax base, this project threatens established residential neighborhoods, as well as imperils one of the few preserve-zoned ecological parcels remaining in the city.
More suitable locations exist elsewhere in the city that would not disrupt communities or sensitive ecosystems.
Jim Pavek
Cape Coral