FORT MYERS Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) February 2025   Downtown Plan Adopted by City Council The adopted Downtown CRA Plan outlines key improvements to enhance our city center. From enhanced walkability and new public art to bus- iness development and expanded housing op- tions, this plan has it all. Dive into the details and discover what’s in store for downtown. Read the plan! CRA Project Updates   PROJECT NAME: “Common Ground” Pocket Park Overview: Transforming a vacant lot into the city’s first pocket park, offering a respite and community gathering space in Downtown Fort Myers. Current Status: Under Construction (Pavers, benches and plants have been placed.) Key Milestones: FPL provides power (Jan 9, 2025) Pavers and plants installed (Current) Dedication ceremony planned for March 2025. Next: Dedication ceremony planned for March 2025. Community Impact: Provides a public amenity for relax- ation, socializing, and beautification in the Downtown CRA core. More project info   PROJECT NAME: Gateway Gardens Overview: Creating a welcoming gateway feature at the northeast corner of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and Fowler Ave., serving as an entry point into the Downtown redevelopment area. Current Status: Pre-Construction/Permitting Complete, Preparing for Construction Key Milestones: All permits acquired (Sept 2024) Next: Breaking Ground/Construction begins Community Impact: By beautifying this key gateway, the project aims to create a positive first impression for visitors and residents alike, while the collaboration with Naples Botanical Garden ensures the use of appro- priate plantings, contributing to a more sustainable and attractive urban environment. More project info CRA Board Updates CRA Board Meetings 9:00 a.m | 4th Wednesday of each month CRA Advisory Board Meetings 5:00 p.m | 1st Wednesday of each month Agendas & Minutes Agendas are available prior to the meetings. * Disclaimer: Meeting dates and times are subject to change. Please confirm with the CRA office if you have questions before attending. – CRA Approves Commercial Property Improvement Grants for Downtown CRA District for The Broadway LLC’s property, The Franklin Shops – CRA Advisory Board Cancelled for March 5, 2025 – CRA BOC rescheduled for March 19 instead of March 26, 2025 UPCOMING EVENTS “Common Ground” Pocket Park Ribbon-Cutting Wednesday 03/26/25, Noon The Fort Myers CRA is excited to announce the completion of the “Common Ground” Pocket Park-and we want you to be part of the celebration! Join us for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony, where we’ll unveil this beautiful new green space that’s designed to foster connection, relaxation, and community engagement. >>RSVP Cleveland Avenue Listening Session Tuesday 04/29/25, 5:30 – 7:30 PM • Charrette Workshop This workshop includes a break-out session whereby attendees with participation of team members work on physical improvements to the proposed Master Plan and prioritize focus points. >>RSVP Music Walk at McCollum Hall presented by the Fort Myers CRA Friday 05/16/25, 6:00 – 9:00 PM Expand your Music Walk experience to include a trip to McCollum Hall! Join us for Music Walk at McCollum Hall featuring the Night Market, where live music, history, shopping and delicious food collide. Discover the soul of Fort Myers and experience a night to remember. SAVE THE DATE CPI MATCHING GRANT PROGRAM Revitalize your property, enhance your curb appeal, and attract more customers with the Fort Myers CRA’s Commercial Property Improvement Matching Grant (CPIMG) program! Get More Info! Is your home or business located in a CRA Area? – Cleveland CRA – Dr. MLK CRA – Downtown CRA – Cleveland Signage Program Attend an information Session >>Email Xavier Colon, [email protected] Downtown CRA Maps!  Your Guide to the Past and Present: The much-anticipated Historic Fort Myers Maps for the Downtown Redevelopment Area are now available. These maps aren’t just tools; they’re gateways to the heart of our city’s history and vibrant present. What’s in the Map? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, these maps are designed to help anyone navigate and appreciate the beauty and heritage of our community. Order Maps Here Imagine a city where every neighborhood is a beacon of growth and community spirit— a place where residents enjoy sustainable, thriving spaces and businesses benefit from a vibrant economic environment. This is the future the Fort Myers Community Redevelop- ment Agency is creating. SINCE 1984 [§ 163.356, Fla. Stat.] IMPORTANT LINKS Interactive Redevelopment Area Maps Upcoming CRA Meetings Redevelopment Plans Cleveland Redevelopment Plan Update  Read the 2023 Annual Report Per Florida Statutes S.163.356(3)(c), our CRA must produce a report of its activities for the preceding fiscal year, and shall include a com- plete financial statement setting forth its assets, liabilities, income, and operating expenses as of the end of such fiscal year. 2023 Annual Report *Since 1984, the CRA has managed redevelopment trusts to revitalize blighted areas in the City of Fort Myers. This reinvestment can take the form of public infrastructure, residential and commercial grant programs, placemaking initiatives, affordable housing development, safety initiatives, and historic preservation. 1400 Jackson Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901 www.fortmyerscra.com [email protected] 239-321-7100    Share This Email  Share This Email  Share This Email |
