Chatter and Chortles
Afternoon rain showers for several days during the last two weeks have put a smile on many SWFL faces, as many lawns were darn nearly dead. Precipitation during our rainy season helps to replenish local aquifers. With summer's official arrival on June 21st, Cape Coral faces many changes. If Mother Nature cooperates, hopefully, Cape residents can put water table issues on the back burner amid other pressing concerns.
As a longtime Cape Coral resident, I find it hard not to hear the concerns of my neighbors lately. Of course, the issues vary but some do get mentioned more than others.
The future of Cape Coral's UEP ( Utilities Expansion Program ) has presented our City Council with lots of discussion fodder. During those meetings, homeowners in SW 6 and 7 have voiced their opinions ranging from those frustrated with trying to meet their mortgage obligations in the present economy and facing additional utility assessments to others who are angry with the City's seeming insistence on not shelving present UEP plans, despite having done so previously.
The future of "Downtown Cape Coral" seems to almost constantly be dealing with issues concerning growth and progress. The CRA or Community Redevelopment Agency has worked diligently to assure that it can provide funding for the present needed power transmission wire upgrades burial beneath SW 46th Street. The CRA is concerned that to string the wires overhead will thwart any future vertical expansion. A bigger concern is probably the actual viability of the aging commercial district.
While City Council continues to deal with budget shortfall decisions, many local residents are ecstatic that there is motion within the real estate market. The huge numbers of foreclosures, bank repossessions and short sales are fueling that. Most of us know that Cape Coral will continue to attract new and first home buyers. Local homeowners need that kind of assurance.
While the demise of former Lee County Manager Don Stillwell's local political career has brought negative attention to SWFL, at least it has been offset somewhat by our "local guys ( and Cape Coral residents ) done well" in Tallahassee. Both Lieutenant Governor Jeff Kottkamp and State Representative, Gary Aubuchon have been effective public servants.
If we can keep the Nile Monitor lizards under control, the lines reasonably short at SunSplash water park and find a little bit of extra patience when going to the Walmart, this could really be a great summer !
Keep Cool in the Cape ~ !
_Wray
