the northwest wire - nwna, inc. wire sept-dec 2012.pdf · the northwest wire ... these pint sized...
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The Northwest Wire Serving residents and property owners West of El Dorado Blvd. and North of Pine Island Road to the city limits.
The President’s Perch “Together We’re Better”
September thru December 2012 Issue #11
Since 2004, the NWNA has been a vital part of our northwest community. As the association grew, so did the concerns confronting us. Our vision has not waivered as we continue to focus on the preservation and improvement of property values and our quality of life in the northwest Cape.
Although we have had many notable accomplishments over the years along with our share of challenges, we have yet to resolve our most critical need in members volunteering to serve as president, vice-president, treasurer, and secretary. The NWNA is worth your time and effort. You have the opportunity to become involved so that we can utilize your talents and you can feel like you are making a real community contribution. In this respect, I am asking for your help and support. During the first quarter of 2013, we will be addressing this void and reaching out to the membership.
At year-end, the outcome of the Ceitus Boat Lift mediation is unresolved between our City Council and Lee County Commissioners even though the Florida Department of Environmental Protection issued a final order on May 11, 2011 that the Ceitus Barrier was not in the public interest and would adversely affect the environment. Our Development Review Committee is now reviewing the City’s proposed ordinance on RV Parks that is expected to go before the Planning and Zoning Commission on February 6, 2013. This ordinance is not only a land use and development change but also a large-scale change to the City’s Future Land Use Map Amendment.
Keeping together is progress; Working together is success.
Stella Peters, President
Development Review Committee—2012 Initiatives 2
Photo Album 3
Canalside Calendar, Environment Committee 2013 Initiatives 4
Hoo’s Who In the Hood, ‘THE CRABBY CORNER’ Recipe, Wise Words 5
11th Annual Burrowing Owl Festival 6
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
P a ge 3 Th e Nort hwe st Wi re S ept .-D ec. 2012 , Is s u e #1 1
In May, a Large-Scale Land Use and Development Regulation Changes were requested for a parcel of land on the
west side of Burnt Store Road and Durden Parkway to accommodate an upscale RV Resort. The developer
requested the proposed use for Recreational Vehicle parking sites, clubhouse, restaurant, and personal services.
We are now in the process of reviewing the preliminary copy of proposed Ordinance 1-13 released on January 15.
It is anticipated that this Ordinance will be on the Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Commission’s February 6, 2013
agenda. Members will be kept informed throughout this process.
During June, the owner of Burnt Store Centre, located on the west side of Burnt Store Road at Tropicana
Parkway, again requested a Special Exception for a U-Haul and rental truck operation at this site. This also
included a deviation to provide an 8’ masonry wall along the western and northern portions of the parking lot to
screen trucks and trailers. The owner also requested the approval of an Essential Services Use, Group 1 to permit
the installation and operation of a cellular communications tower. The NWNA had no objection to this tower.
The Development Review Committee (DRC) continued to have serious reservations as to the owner’s ability to
adequately screen this intense special exception since U-Haul trucks can be larger than 10’ in height. The DRC
recommended the NWNA continue to speak against the U-Haul and rental truck special exceptions. In an
NWNA online poll, members overwhelming agreed to disallow the U-Haul operation at this location.
P&Z’s June 6 decision denied the U-Haul and truck rental components but allowed the
communications tower in the form of a flagpole and the addition of one automatic car
wash bay.
During October, the Owner requested that City Council overturn a decision made by the
2004 City Council in Resolution 25-04 requiring ‘The storage, parking and maintenance
of all rental trucks and trailers shall be, within a building.’ The DRC, after numerous
contacts with the Owner’s representative, City staff, and elected City officials,
recommended the NWNA offer a reasonable compromise to the Owner, in the form of
placing the U-Haul element inside a linear building that would be substantially less
expensive than housing it in a larger building. The Owner rejected this offer.
Due to reservations regarding the Owner’s willingness to properly buffer this site either by a vegetative buffer or
by other means, the DRC recommended that the Northwest Neighborhood Association speak against this request
at City Council. Despite a rigorous presentation to Council, City Council voted to approve the applicant’s request
to overturn Resolution 25-04. The -Owner will be required to erect a 10’ wall (8’ with a two foot architectural
extension) along the western side of the site as a buffer. The NWNA will continue to monitor the future
construction of this wall and the installation of the required vegetative buffering.
Whether you have a background in development or just want to be involved in preserving the character of our
northwest neighborhoods, e-mail [email protected] to learn more. DRC meetings are scheduled as needed.
Rich O’Donnell, Development Review Committee Chairperson
Proposed RV Resort and Burnt Store Centre Dominates
Development Review Committee’s 2012 Agenda
Burnt Store Centre (Google Map)
P a ge 2 Th e Nort hwe st Wi re S ept .-D ec. 2012 , Is su e # 1 1
Members, Bonnie and Dick Scariot, provided a delightful holiday landscape
at their Northwest Cape home.
PHOTO ALBUM
The ‘Leaning Trees’ on Ceitus Parkway recently went through a straightening process
thanks to the volunteer efforts of NWNA members.
Harry Instase (left) and Nick Maniates (right). Photos by Charlene Maniates.
P a ge 4 S ep t . - D ec. 2 012 , I s su e 1 1 Th e Nort hwe st Wi re
Environment Committee
Sets 2013 Initiatives
2013 Association Meeting Schedule
January 24th—General Meeting
March 21st—General Meeting
September 19th—General Meeting
November 7th —Annual Meeting and
Officer Elections
Meeting Location
Christa McAuliffe Charter Elementary
School Cafeteria
2817 SW 3rd Ln.
Doors open at 6:30pm
Meeting from 7pm to 8:30pm
Informational Meetings on critical
issues affecting our northwest
community will be scheduled as
needed.
NWNA’s Board of Directors meets one
week prior to Association meetings. If
you are interested in attending, just
e-mail [email protected].
Committee members are in the process of
updating our web page at [email protected]
to provide you with activities, courses and web
links that are both educational and interesting.
We will post upcoming events and places to go
where those often unanswered questions will
have recommended solutions particularly when
it comes to plants, trees and shrubs.
We also encourage members to attend the
Florida Yards and Neighborhood courses
offered through Lee County Parks and
Recreation. While at the parks, you will find
information on our local environment and ways
to implement practices that are water, plant,
and animal friendly. Many of the locations
also have native plantings where you can learn
how to select the right plants for your
landscape to attract butterflies and provide
food and cover for wildlife.
Not only is there a wealth of information
available at our Parks, but also knowledgeable
people to assist you with suggestions and
advice.
While the plants on our three medians (two on
Tropicana Pkwy. and one on Embers Pkwy.
west of Burnt Store Road) are flourishing,
periodic maintenance is needed so we could
use member help. To learn more, just e-mail
me at [email protected].
Judy Harvey, Chairperson
Environment Committee
Access http://www.nwcape.com/newspage2011.htm for the
City’s Parks and Recreation Program Guide Jan.-Apr. 2012.
P a ge 5 Th e Nort hwe st Wi re
President
Stella Peters
Vice President
Rich O’Donnell
Treasurer
Fred Vogelpohl
Secretary
Barbara Wenz
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.nwcape.com
Mailing Address: PO Box 411
Cape Coral, FL 33993-0411
Development Review Committee
Rich O’Donnell, Chairperson
Environment Committee
Judy Harvey, Chairperson
Information Technology Committee
Cathy Eybs, Chairperson [email protected]
Marine Committee Suspended
Membership Committee
Seeking Chairperson.
Parks Committee
Terry O’Donnell, Chairperson [email protected]
The Northwest Wire is a publication of the NWNA. Creator: Barb Wenz; Editor: Stella Peters
Your life is your message to the world. Make it inspiring.
… Lorrin Lee
Beulah’s Crab Imperial
Mix mustard, butter, mayonnaise and egg
together and combine with crab meat. Place in
casserole. Sprinkle buttered crumbs on top.
Bake for 30 minutes at 350° F. Serves 3 to 4.
S ept .-D ec. 2012 , Is su e 1 1
1 lb. crab meat (back fin)
1 tsp. prepared mustard
1/8 lb. butter
2 1/2 tbsp. mayonnaise
1 egg beaten
Chopped parsley (optional)
Lemon juice (optional)
Buttered bread crumbs
PAY YOUR
MEMBERSHIP
DUES BY
FEB. 15, 2013
Please mail your $15 check
payable to NWNA, Inc., P.O.
Box 411, Cape Coral, FL
33993. Your cancelled check
is your receipt.
P a ge 6 Th e Nort hwe st Wi re S ept -D ec. 2012 Is sue # 1 1
CAPE CORAL FRIENDS OF WILDLIFE
11th ANNUAL BURROWING OWL FESTIVAL
Saturday, February 23, 2013
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Rotary Park, 5505 Rose Garden Road, Cape Coral, FL 33914
Cape Coral is home to the largest known population of the Florida BURROWING OWL which is
a species of special concern. These pint sized birds burrow underground where they nest from
early February through mid-July and are now the official city bird of Cape Coral.
Please join us at this family fun filled event which celebrates the start of the burrowing owl
nesting season and all of Cape Coral’s natural wildlife treasures.
A partial listing of festival highlights include environmental and wildlife organizations with
educational exhibits and live animals, bus tours to local burrowing owl burrows, burrowing owl
starter burrow and burrow care demonstrations. Take a tour through the live interactive
butterfly house and learn about their host and nectar plants. There will be photographers and
arts and craft vendors of all things natural, native and wild. A variety of native plants will be
offered for sale. Children will enjoy the free arts and crafts activities. Indoor speakers with
wildlife presentations to delight you will be Dan Tudor and Sanibel author Charles Sobczak.
Boyd Hill Nature Preserve will have live birds of prey. Get a close up look of live burrowing owls
presented by the Peace River Wildlife Center. Come meet Trouper the Blind Raccoon. Also on
site will be music and food vendors so plan to spend the day.
Admission is a $5 donation for ages over 16. Event proceeds will go toward local wildlife
protection, preservation and education.
For directions or information, call Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife at 239-980-2593, visit
www.ccfriendsofwildlife.org or e-mail [email protected].
***Sponsored by Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife & Cape Coral Parks and Recreation***
SOURCE: Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife, a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization registered in the state
of Florida #CH36450. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL
INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY
CALLING TOLL FREE (1-800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT
IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.