Cape Coral's UEP North 3 project design nearly complete as homeowners consider selling

CAPE CORAL, Fla. —

Residents in northwest Cape Coral are raising concerns about the financial strain of the city’s Utilities Extension Project (UEP), which aims to replace well water with city water, sewer, and irrigation services.

The next phase of the project, known as North 3, is nearly ready for construction, with the design phase 98% complete, according to the city. The affected area includes neighborhoods between Kismet and Embers parkways to the north and south, and Old Burnt Store and Burnt Store roads to the east and west.

Lynn Huck, who lives near Old Burnt Store Road, shared her frustration with the project.

"I think it's ridiculous, I think that first of all, they're closing up all the water wells are going dry," Huck said.

She also explained that her family purchased a yard next door and combined it with their home address, but they will still be charged for two properties once city water is installed.

"We purchased a yard next door and combined it with our home address, and yet we're going to be charged for two properties," Huck said.

Based on the assessment numbers, many homeowners could pay somewhere between 20 and 35 thousand dollars in fees, depending on the size of their lot. For some residents, the financial burden is overwhelming.

"People are moving out of the neighborhood," Huck said.

For sale signs are becoming more common in the area, as neighbors say they don’t want to deal with the disruption of having their yards torn apart for water line installation.

Kay Herrin, another Northwest Cape Coral resident, said her family has had enough.

"Our house is up for sale after 20 years," Herrin said.

She explained that the decision wasn’t easy but felt unavoidable due to the costs associated with the project.

"Quite honestly, I don't care if they ever get to me for water and sewer, because I'm not going to be able to afford the price of it," Herrin said.

The estimated cost of the North 3 UEP project is $410 million, and with Cape Coral’s continued growth, some residents feel they are paying the price.

"I don't want public water and sewer, I know it's necessary," Herrin said.

Huck also criticized the city for the slow progress of the project.

"This place has been here long enough that you've had ample time to get all of this taken care of, and yet it's still not done," Huck said.

The city said the UEP North 3 project is expected to be completed by 2028.

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