Oak tree removal disrupts businesses and traffic in Cape Coral

CAPE CORAL, Fla. —

Crews are removing oak trees along Cape Coral Parkway, blocking sidewalks, slowing traffic, and affecting downtown businesses as part of a city infrastructure project.

The removal process has taken out roots in front of local shops, including Perk and Brew, a coffee shop that had to close for the day due to the lack of back access to Southeast 47th Terrace.

"The sidewalk, you know, we have customers who utilize the sidewalk, and everyone loves parking out here, so it's kind of screwing us up a little bit," said Carlie Miller, a worker at Perk and Brew.

Regular customers like Rich Kotarsky raised concerns about the timing of the removal.

"So they're closed for the day without even knowing they had to be closed. And the other mysterious reason. Why wouldn't you do this in the evening or at night when there's no traffic? I just didn't understand it," Kotarsky said.

Arborist Ryan Ishley from Joshua Tree explained the reasoning behind the removal, noting that the oak trees, despite their long lifespan of over 350 years, were causing damage to the area.

"They're basically destroying the infrastructure. So right now they're an unnecessary risk. So the best mitigation for these guys is removal to eliminate it. And then another company is going to be coming in and resurfacing that area, basically to prevent trip hazards. And then, you know, prevent infrastructure damage in the long run," Ishley said.

The removal coincides with the city’s plan to widen Cape Coral Parkway downtown from four to six lanes, which will eliminate street parking in front of businesses to make room for the expansion.

Joshua Tree anticipates it will take a couple of days to remove all 33 trees. The City of Cape Coral has not yet responded to inquiries about whether business owners were informed of the removal process.

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