To our fellow citizens of Cape Haze:
We thought we had settled the issue of high density on the Cape Haze peninsula. But it is still an open issue.
Hurricane Ian should have demonstrated the risks of high rise, high density development in the Coastal High Hazard Area (CHHA) like the Cape Haze peninsula. Nevertheless, the county staff is still pushing for subtle changes to the Comprehensive Plan linking “working waterfront (WWF)” and “Compact Growth Mixed Unit” properties (CGMU). This would allow 65 units per acre on qualifying properties countywide.
There are a few properties that might qualify on the peninsula. The first is the former Fishery property which is now on indefinite hold. However, the owner is still planning to go ahead with the approved development, about 7-8 units per acre. We support this. The other is the West County Towne Center property at the intersection of CR’s 771 and 776. This 1300 acre property is considered a CGMU and could qualify for 65 units per acre. That is over 84,000 units – a good sized city- at a critical evacuation choke point and travel junction. The developers representative has said they don’t intend to go to the full 65 u/a but that they need the flexibility to develop the property. This creates a substantial risk. There are also three or four other properties in West County that could fall under this proposed change unless the county commissioners live up to their promise to limit density on the Cape Haze peninsula to 15 units per acre.
So if you feel that you want to do something to protect our neighborhoods we need you to reach out to our commissioners and tell them how you feel.
1. Come to the Meeting of the County Commission on Tuesday Feb 28 at 1 PM in Room 119 at the county offices on Murdock Circle.
2. Write to the Commissioners and ask them to formalize and pass the proposed change to the Comp Plan limiting development to 15 units per acre on the Cape Haze peninsula. An email suggestion is below:
To: “Assistant@CharlotteCountyFL.Gov”
Re: Density on the Cape Haze peninsula
As a concerned citizen residing on the Cape Haze peninsula I/we am/are writing you to ask that you approve the proposed legislation that would limit density on the Cape Haze peninsula to no more than 15 units per acre. No properties on the peninsula are currently zoned for more than 15 units per acre. To allow 65 units per acre in the Coastal High Hazard area (CHHA) and possibly at a critical evacuation and transit choke point would pose great risk when the next major storm hits.
Thank you for your consideration,
Sincerely
/signed/
address
Cape Haze, FL 33946
Thank you for helping to protect this little piece of paradise we call home.
On behalf of the board of directors of CHPOA I am
Sincerely,
Bill Dahms