Council approves plan for auto service center
Cape Coral City Council reversed a decision made by the Planning and Zoning Commission to allow an auto service center along southern Chiquita Boulevard.
P&Z denied the special exception for “Premier Auto Service Center” on Sept. 1, but council gave the project a second chance through a special hearing Monday.
The site of the proposed business is near the intersection of Mohawk Parkway and Chiquita.
Councilmember Chris Chulakes-Leetz said the auto service could very well foster commercial growth along the corridor if successful.
“We need the jobs, we need the business, we need the tax base … we have plenty of customers to service in that area,” Chulakes-Leetz added.
Councilmember Bill Deile questioned if the auto service center would be well maintained through the years. Despite supporting the special exception, Deile speculated if the business would eventually become an “eyesore.”
“My concern is not what the building looks like when its built, but what it looks like five, 10 years from now and if its going to be a problem for code,” he said.
Council recently approved a slew of land use changes to foster this type of commercial growth, Councilmember Kevin McGrail said, and approving the auto service center would fall in line with that potential growth.
“If we’re not going to foster commercial growth, what’s the point? We made those land use changes for a reason,” McGrail said.
Trying to predict the success or failure of a potential new business is not the place of council, said Councilmember Marty McClain.
“Our job is not to project a business’ success, our job is to bless this and say good luck,” he said.
The special exception was passed unanimously.