Agenda Full Package (PDF)

Committee of the Whole · 2026-07-29 · agenda

[1015 Cultural Park Boulevard, Cape Coral, FL 33990] The Committee of the Whole agenda for July 29, 2026, includes a discussion item regarding the Bimini East Redevelopment. Crown Development Inc., through its managing member Bimini Basin Redevelopment Company LLC, has submitted a proposal for this redevelopment. The project aims to transform the area into a destination with mixed-use buildings, lodging, retail, office, medical office space, a marina, and community gathering areas. The plan includes up to 900 dwelling units, 250 hotel rooms, 130,000 sq ft of commercial space, and 55,000 sq ft of office space. An estimated investment of $500,000,000 is anticipated. The redevelopment is intended to be a catalyst for economic growth and revitalization of downtown Cape Coral. The agenda item is for informational purposes only. Future meetings are scheduled for August 4, 2026 (Budget Workshop) and August 5, 2026 (Regular City Council Meeting). [STRAP Nos. 13-45-23-C2-01081.0300, 13-45-23-C2-00083.0180, 13-45-23-C2-00083.0150, 13-45-23-C2-00083.0100, 13-45-23-C2-00083.0330, 13-45-23-C2-00000.30B0, 13-45-23-C2-00000.30B1, and 13-45-23-C2-00102.0010; case RFP No. RCR25176KMR] The Bimini East project is a proposed master-planned community in Cape Coral, Florida, aiming to redevelop approximately 34 acres into a mixed-use waterfront district. The project, led by Bimini Basin Redevelopment Company, LLC (a partnership including Crown Development Inc., Alessio Companies, and Superhost Hospitality), involves an estimated total capital investment of $500,000,000. The plan includes approximately 900 housing units (apartments and rowhouses), two hotels with about 250 rooms, 250,000 square feet of medical office space, 60,000 square feet of general office space, 130,000 square feet of retail space, two branch banks, over 3,000 parking stalls, classrooms for higher education, a marina with 65 slips, a reshaped Four Freedoms Park with an amphitheater, and various open spaces. The project seeks zoning through a PUD and will be managed by a Master Association. Key design characteristics include Bahamian-themed architecture, a central canal avenue, tropical landscaping, and consistent lighting. The project aims to create a world-class destination emphasizing Cape Coral's water heritage and tropical coastal aesthetic, serving as a walkable 'park-once' environment and a hub for residents and visitors. The development timeline anticipates horizontal improvements beginning in November 2026 and vertical improvements starting in August 2027, with completion by August 2035. The City of Cape Coral is involved in land acquisition, infrastructure improvements, and providing incentives, including Tax Increment Financing (TIF) rebates and impact fee credits. The City has acquired 47 parcels for the project, investing $45.2 million in property acquisition and demolition, and will convey 22 acres to the developer. The developer will pay the City a purchase price of $26,292,325 for the land, with payments phased before construction permits are issued for each block. The project is expected to generate significant economic impact, including 3,401 total jobs supported during construction and operations. The City of Cape Coral is considering a citywide reduction of local residential roadway speed limits from 30 mph to 25 mph. This initiative stems from the Areawide Neighborhood Speed Limit Study, which evaluated local residential roadways to improve neighborhood safety and multimodal mobility. The study, conducted by Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., found that 38 out of 40 evaluated streets meet FDOT criteria for a 25 mph speed limit. The City Council will decide on accepting the study's findings, selecting an implementation option (sign plate replacement, neighborhood gateway signs, or city gateway signs), and potentially approving a public outreach campaign. A Phase II study for major and cut-through roadways is also proposed. Public feedback was gathered through a workshop and online poll, with comments generally favoring lower speeds on local streets and spot treatments for cut-through roadways. The Police Department supports the speed limit reduction for enhanced neighborhood safety. This document outlines traffic calming measures and discusses unlicensed contractor enforcement. For traffic calming, it details speed tables, speed cushions, chicanes, raised intersections, mid-block bulb-outs, and center island narrowing, noting their effectiveness in reducing speeds and enhancing safety. For contractor enforcement, it explains that local contractor licensing was preempted by Florida House Bill 735 in 2023, leading to the sunsetting of Cape Coral's local licensing program and elimination of local Licensing Investigator positions. Primary enforcement is now with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). The City refers unpermitted code violations to DBPR and educates residents on licensing risks. The document also discusses the potential reactivation of a Licensing Investigator classification, detailing associated salary, equipment, and total year one costs, and notes that a $5 unlicensed contractor surcharge in FY2025 could have funded one investigator.