Cape Coral considers lawsuit over school sidewalk and turn lane project

CAPE CORAL, Fla. —

Cape Coral city officials are debating whether to sue the School District of Lee County and its superintendent over a $900,000 sidewalk and turn lane project near Hector Cafferata School.

The city attorney has recommended legal action, and on Wednesday, the city council voted 5-3 to approve pursuing it. Three council members opposed the proposal.

“I am just trying to understand, city attorney, because, you know, ever since I’ve lived in this city, I’ve funded sidewalks with my taxpayer dollars,” Councilmember Jennifer Nelson-Lastra said.

The School District of Lee County responded, stating, “Sidewalks and turning lane mentioned by the city council were capital needs the city was aware they needed before Hector Cafferata was going to be built there.”

The district also emphasized that Florida law exempts them from paying impact fees.

Cape Coral Mayor John Gunter argued that the project should fall under the district’s responsibility and be funded through its millage rather than charging the county.

“They’re saying that they need it. We are saying we’re going to go ahead and fund it, and then we’re going to sue them to get it back,” Councilmember Keith Long said.

Parents, like Robert Dull, whose daughter is starting preschool, expressed support for the sidewalk project.

“People are always speeding left and right. Most of the neighbors won’t even walk on this road anymore. So, yeah, it’ll be a good thing for kids to finally have a sidewalk,” Dull said.

The City of Cape Coral said it is optimistic the issue can be resolved without formal court proceedings.

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