| FORT MYERS Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) January 2025  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 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: Benches to be installed, columns to be painted. Community Impact: Provides a public amenity for relaxation, social- izing, 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 appropriate plantings, contributing to a more sustainable and attractive urban environ- ment. More project info  PROJECT NAME: “Journey of Hope” Sculpture Overview: A public art sculpture by Cecilia Lueza, symbolizing hope, progress, equality, and opportunity, located on the south side of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard between the north and southbound lanes of Veronica S. Shoemaker Boulevard. Current Status: Completed Key Milestones: FPL provides power (Jan 9, 2025) Pavers and plants installed (Current) Dedication ceremony planned for March 2025. Next: No further construction or installation is needed as the project is complete. Ongoing maintenance will likely be the next phase. Community Impact: Provides an inspiring and uplifting public art piece for the community, serving as a symbol of hope. 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 Ceases Junkyard Operations in Dr. MLK Redevelopment Area UPCOMING EVENTS Dr. MLK Redevelopment Plan Listening Session 3 of 3 Thursday 01/23/25, 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 02/21/25, 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. >>RSVP 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 Colón, [email protected] 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 Redevelopment 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 complete 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    |
