Cape Coral Yacht Club stuck almost 4 years after Hurricane Ian: No timeline

CAPE CORAL, Fla. (WINK)—Nearly four years after Hurricane Ian destroyed the Cape Coral Yacht Club, the land remains stagnant with no movement and no answers about the future of the project.

Renderings of the new Cape Coral Yacht Club are full of big promises, but some neighbors say what's missing is the most important part. "How much is going to cost?" said Gilbert Chandler.

WINK News reported in March that the projected cost for the new Cape Coral Yacht Club has reached $225 million, as shown on a slide from the city's Committee of the Whole meeting. The price tag is raising concerns for Terri Ferrell.

Cape Coral Yacht Club fiancing plan — CREDIT: CITY OF CAPE CORAL

"Everybody else has to live on a budget. Why don't? Why doesn't the city?" Ferrell said.

WINK News reached out to the mayor, the communications office and every council member.

In a statement, a city spokesperson wrote, "The City continues to keep the public informed through a dedicated Yacht Club project webpage and regular updates on our official social media channels. At this time, Cape Coral City Council has directed staff to develop a presentation outlining what a phased approach to reconstruction of the Yacht Club could look like, including associated costs. That information has not yet been presented to Council. Because Council has not made a final decision on the scope or approach to the project, there is currently no confirmed total project cost, funding allocation, or construction timeline. It’s also important to note that the Yacht Club project is not part of the City’s General Obligation (GO) Bond."

The city's website also says staff has been directed to move forward with a phased approach, working with the design team to prioritize revenue-generating components such as the boathouse and docks, while evaluating parking, landscaping and irrigation needs.

For Ferrell, time is slipping away.

"I would like something done. You know, I'm 74 years old. I'd like to see the Yacht Club," Ferrell said. "My friend has a five-year-old son. He's, he'll be a teenager before it's done, you know."

Ferrell also asked where the dollars from the city's General Obligation, or "GO" bond, went and why it can't be used for the yacht club. The city spokesperson said it is important to note that the yacht club project is not part of the city's GO bond.

WINK News will continue to follow this story as the city moves forward with plans for the Cape Coral Yacht Club.