Bimini Basin project reaches Cape Coral City Council

CAPE CORAL, Fla.- After years of planning and public input, Bimini Basin is closer to turning into a vibrant mix of restaurants, shops, and entertainment.

“We just want to have something there where people will say ‘let’s go to the Bimini Basin!'” said Connie Barron with the City of Cape Coral.

City leaders are not only looking at developing the waterfront and Cape Coral Parkway, but they are also exploring the possibility of expanding the development into nearby neighborhoods.

“Give it a whole new downtown-like district,” said resident Peter Gaeta. “Make it a destination, that would be amazing.”

The city is considering changing the future land use designations for areas north of Southeast 47th Terrace. The majority of the land is currently multi-family residential but if approved by the state, it could change to downtown mixed-use.

“By changing the land use, you’re changing the future possibilities,” Barron said, meaning vacant lots in the area could one day be developed into shops or restaurants.

Those who live nearby are both in favor and against the proposed plans.

“On this side over here, it’s residential. Should be just residential,” said James Scyphers.

“I would absolutely be all for it,” Gaeta said. “The construction gets some people back to work, gets the economy going back here in downtown Cape.”

Members of the public will get the chance to voice their opinions to city council before any decisions are made.