The first public speakers are getting their first chance today to speak out against Cape Coral’s controversial utilities expansion project.

Council members are poised to give their final vote tonight on the UEP, which will bring an average of $17,000 in

assessments and fees for 6,200 homeowners in Southwest 6/7 for water, sewer and irrigation utilities, and $6,000 in average assessments and fees for 57,000 lot owners in North 1-8 for water utilities.

The council chambers is standing room only, and others are watching the proceedings on a monitor set up outside.