Utilities info session draws hundreds

Cost is biggest concern at city meeting for property owners in North 1 West expansion area

By CHUCK BALLARO news@breezenewspapers

com

Property owners looking for more information on the North 1 West utility expansion project and its related costs turned out by the score Wednesday

They queued up early with the line going down the stairway around the corner and down a first-floor hallway at City Hall before the town-hall style session opened at 5 p m

Attendees were promised information on what the plan will entail its timetable how to abandon an existing well and septic system and an opportunity to speak with staff in oneon-one, 10-minute Q&A sessions about the cost the primary concern of those who turned out

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I almost had a heart attack when I saw the bill because we have an empty lot next to us, so we knew it would be higher, but this is double or triple what we were expecting By the time we re done, we re going to be paying $80,000 once you add the permit fee, abandon the septic and connection

It s a hard pill to swallow

Property owners in North 1 West the first part of the city of Cape Coral s two-phase North 1 expansion area, face a minimum assessment of $33 000-plus for a standard 10 000-square-foot residential lot

Many attendees said they’re afraid that the UEP cost, coupled with hurricane and insurance costs, may make their home unafford-

homeowner Jennifer Sperry

able Councilmember Tom Hayden, who was there to provide additional information, said he understands the situation

“We know that people are concerned about the cost they’re as high as they’ve ever been, but it s important that we continue to move through with the UEP project and bring honors