Cape Coral City Council approves ordinance to reduce Yellow Fever Creek Preserve for water facility

The Cape Coral City Council meeting on April 2, 2025, focused on a significant ordinance concerning the Yellow Fever Creek Preserve. The proposed ordinance, known as 85-24, aims to amend the city’s comprehensive plan to allow for the construction of a water storage and pumping facility by reducing the size of the preserve by approximately 14 acres.

Chad Boyko, the principal planner, presented the ordinance, explaining that the amendment would decrease the designated park area from 200 acres to 184.5 acres. This change is intended to support the city’s utility expansion program, which aims to enhance water, sewer, and irrigation services in the northeastern part of Cape Coral. Boyko emphasized the necessity of the project for future development, noting that the Planning and Zoning Commission had recommended approval of the ordinance with a vote of 4 to 2.

However, the proposal faced significant opposition from local residents during the public hearing segment of the meeting. Many expressed concerns about the environmental impact of removing land from the preserve, which is home to protected species and serves as a vital green space in the community. Residents like Bob Brandt and Noel Tolbert voiced their worries about potential flooding, decreased property values, and the disruption caused by construction activities. They urged the council to consider alternative locations for the facility, arguing that the preserve should remain intact for future generations.

Several speakers highlighted the importance of maintaining the integrity of the preserve, with Patricia Schumacher emphasizing that the area is a natural oasis that should not be compromised for development. Concerns were also raised about the city’s commitment to preserving green spaces, with residents questioning the long-term implications of repurposing protected land.

In response to the public outcry, Council Member Cadet expressed her reluctance to support the ordinance, stating that a preserve should remain a preserve and that the council must heed the voices of the community. The council ultimately voted on the ordinance, with a motion to deny it gaining traction among members.

The meeting underscored the tension between urban development needs and community desires for environmental preservation, highlighting the ongoing debate over land use in Cape Coral. The council's decision on the ordinance will have lasting implications for both the local ecosystem and the residents who cherish the Yellow Fever Creek Preserve.