Rosewind Motel in disrepair, a concern for nearby residents
The Rosewind Motel on Santa Barbara Boulevard has one concerned mother worried that the property, now in various states of disrepair, is attracting the wrong element and is a danger to kids.
Barbara Westgate asked city council Monday during public comment what can be done to secure the structure, but also has been communicating with Councilmember Chris Chulakes-Leetz prior to Monday’s meeting.
Westgate said Monday that she recently found syringes and hypodermic needles on the edge of the property.
The Rosewind Motel on Santa Barbara Boulevard has one concerned mother worried that the property, now in various states of disrepair, is attracting the wrong element and is a danger to kids.
Barbara Westgate asked city council Monday during public comment what can be done to secure the structure, but also has been communicating with Councilmember Chris Chulakes-Leetz prior to Monday’s meeting.
Westgate said Monday that she recently found syringes and hypodermic needles on the edge of the property.
City Spokeswoman Connie Barron said via email the city’s Department of Community Development is “putting together details” about the property.
She also wrote that she was “sure” the Cape Coral Police Department had been to the location and surrounding neighborhood, but did not elaborate to the lengths in which the CCPD has become involved.
While more information is forthcoming, Barron also wrote, “The building gets boarded, and the boards get torn away, so there probably are some ongoing problems at the site.”
Chulakes-Leetz said Wednesday that he has been working with Westgate and code compliance officer Frank Cassidy for three months to resolve Westgate’s issues.
“I would like to see the building sealed off immediately so no access can be gained and then have it razed,” he said.
Chulakes-Leetz pointed to the property’s swimming pool as another potential hazard, adding that he’d like to have dirt dumped into the pool.
He said the pool presented not only a drowning hazard but a place for snakes and other creatures to lay in wait.
“I’d like to see two dump truck loads dumped into the pool,” Chulakes-Leetz added.
The property is owned by Rosewind Property Inc. and is currently in bankruptcy.
Taxes were last paid on the property in 2005. The building was built in 1966, and is currently valued at $237,947.
Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce President Mike Qaintance said owners of the Rosewind Motel last paid chamber dues in 2004.
Westgate did not return multiple phone calls seeking comment.
Barron said more information about the property would be available later this week.