Cape Coral neighbors pack city hall over $40K water project costs

CAPE CORAL, Fla. (WINK) — A packed city council chambers in Cape Coral drew neighbors in full force for a special meeting on the city's North Three Utilities Project.

So many people came out that not everyone could even fit inside. Many neighbors say they're worried about the cost and feel like their concerns haven't been heard.

The North Three Utilities Extension would bring water, wastewater and irrigation to more than 5,000 properties in northwest Cape Coral.

The biggest concern for many people is the cost.

"Completely neglected just not caring for any of us," said JoAnn Szary, a concerned neighbor.

"I have no idea what they are thinking its just out of control," said Mike Quintero, a concerned neighbor.

Neighbors came to city hall with a lot of questions and a lot of concerns about what this project could cost them.

"Plain and simple. Who's coming here? That's going to pay $40,000 for city water and sewer…Who's going to pay $40,000 for city water and sewer, and we're strapped with it," Quintero said.

For many people, the focus is on the price tag.

"Very disappointed. It's just how could one neighborhood be 19,000 eight years ago, and then eight years later we're at 42,000?" said Douglas Szary, a concerned neighbor.

Other neighbors say they're also worried about people who own empty lots and whether they'll be able to afford the assessments. The city says the meeting was part of the assessment process for the project.

The plans also include roadway, drainage and resilience improvements including changes to roads and bridges. This puts people in a hard financial situation, with some residents unable to afford thousands of dollars more per year.

People just want to have a say and are worried if they do have to pay thousands of dollars, they might need to rethink living in Cape Coral.