Cape Coral's Seven Islands project faces public scrutiny over traffic

CAPE CORAL - The future of 48 acres in Northwest Cape Coral is up for discussion, and locals are being asked to weigh in.

The Seven Islands Project aims to bring new restaurants, businesses and amenities to the area. A public hearing was held at the city council meeting, where many residents expressed concerns about the potential impact on local roads.

One resident shared her frustration, saying, "I can't even get out to Burnt Store Road in the morning to get to work, because there's so many cars and nobody let you in, you can get out of that neighborhood."

Sam Bauer from Forest Development responded, "We've conducted traffic studies, we have looked at the how people will arrive, and have structured the community so it's all car-friendly. It's pedestrian-friendly. We are. Our goal is to reduce the traffic, not increase it."

If you missed the hearing, there's another chance to voice your opinion on Jan. 21 at City Hall.

The meeting also marked Councilwoman Rachel Kaduk's first public appearance since her DUI arrest last month. She did not comment on the arrest but thanked a man for his comment, "I think people who live in glass houses should never throw stones."

Kaduk's arraignment, initially set for Monday, has been rescheduled for Feb. 18.