CAPE CORAL, Fla. - The Cape Coral city council votes to put downtown power lines underground, ending nearly a decade of debate.

Monday, the council voted unanimously to bury high voltage power lines that were due to be installed near SE 46th Lane.  LCEC says it needs to add the lines to meet the electricity demand in the Cape. 

Neighbors didn't like the idea of the lines going overhead, which some felt would block views and interfere with future development for the downtown Cape.

The community redevelopment agency will pick up the expected $4.5 million pricetag for installing the underground lines.  LCEC was ready to start the overhead work, but will now have to put out bids for the underground project.

Even after the long-awaited vote, Cape Coral may not have heard the last of The issue.  Mayor John Sullivan is asking the city attorney to look into whether LCEC is violating its agreement with the city by refusing to pay for burying the lines.