| FORT MYERS Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) June 2025 What do a train depot, a luxury hotel, a pocket park, and a historic juke joint have in common? They’ve all been given a second life thanks to your Fort Myers CRA. From grassroots gathering spots to skyline-shifting developments, these projects show how strategic reinvestment, through public projects and private partnerships, can turn underused spaces into community assets. Whether it’s restoring history, creating homes, or sparking economic vita- lity. We’re in the business of transformation. EXPLORE. SNAP. WIN. Get ready to explore projects happening right here in your community! This summer, we’re inviting you to embark on a CRA selfie adventure showcasing the positive reinvestments that impact our city like: Parks: Enjoy the green spaces and recreational area that enhance our community’s well-being Public Art: Immerse yourself in murals, sculptures and installations that add appeal to our streets Historic Preservation: Discover the beauty of our revit- alized historic landmarks Play today! CRA Project Updates PROJECT NAME: Gateway Garden Overview: Creating a welcoming gateway feature at the northeast corner of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and Fowler St., serving as an entry point into the Downtown redevel- opment area. Current Status: Pre-Construction/Permitting Complete, Construction has begun Key Milestones: May 2025: Power for Irriga- tion System, Future Lighting, Power Fountains Approved February 2025: Construction Started June 2025 Change Order Next: Completing Construction 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 environment. More project info PROJECT NAME: Innovation Walk Overview: A placemaking initiative designed to reignite the legacy of innovation in Fort Myers, inspired by Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. The walk will be an interactive experience highlighting the human genius, blending historical significance with future-forward thinking. Current Status: Planning and Initial Implementa- tion Phase Key Milestones: – March 2025: Reimagined Innovations for final site – April 2025: “Blue Light” Model Demo at Edison Award – May 2025: “Blue Light” pre-application meeting Next: Apply for construction permit for “Blue Light”, RSQ for Master Plan to go live. Community Impact: Creates an engaging public space that celebrates innovation, fosters community pride, and connects Fort Myers’ historical significance with its aspir- ations for the future. More project info PROJECT NAME: White Coral Affordable Housing Project Overview: Providing 26 single-family homes offering affordable homeownership opportunities for income-qualified families earn- ing 30 to 80 percent of the Fort Myers Area Median Income (AMI). Current Status: Pre-Construction Key Milestones: Jan 2024: Purchased 11.24 acres of property to be developed for affordable housingJune 2024: RFP Process, Habitat for Humanity SelectedNov 2024: Contract NegotiationsJan 2025: Land Transfer Next: Community Updates Forthcoming Community Impact: Addresses affordable housing challenge by expanding affordable housing option for our growing city. More Project Info PROJECT NAME: US 41 Landscaping Overview: This project aims to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the US 41 corridor within the Cleveland Avenue Redevelopment Area by introducing FDOT-compliant landscaping and irrigation systems. The initiative focuses on beautifying newly constructed medians and traffic separators, contributing to the overall revitalization of the area. Current Status: Design and Permitting Phase Key Milestones: March 2024: Notice to Proceed issued to RVi Plan- ning Landscape ArchitectureOctober 2024: 30% Construction Docu- ments submitted to FDOTDecember 2024: 90% of Construction Documents submitted to FDOTFebruary 2025: Final permit review and FDOT approval anticipatedFebruary 2025: Project scheduled to go out to bid Next: Pending final FDOT approval, the project will proceed to the bidding phase, followed by the commencement of construction. Community Impact: By transforming the US 41 corridor with thought- fully designed landscaping, the project seeks to create a more inviting environment for residents and visitors. The collaboration with Naples Botanical Garden ensures the selection of sustainable and regionally appropriate plantings, enhancing the ecological and visual quality of the area. More project info PROJECT NAME: The Bloom Overview: An upcoming affordable housing community in Fort Myers. This project aims to construct 336-unit, affordable rental options for ess- ential workers such as first responders, teachers, health care workers, and city and county employees. Current Status: Permitting Phase Key Milestones: – April 2025: Contract Amendment – June 2025: Groundbreaking Event Next: Construction to begin Community Impact: Offers stable living conditions for families who may otherwise struggle to find affordable homes. More project info Reinvesting in Infrastructure, Elevating Everyday Life…. As part of our ongoing commitment to revitalization and reinvestment under [§163.356, Fla. Stat.], the Fort Myers CRA is proud to support regular maintenance and infrastructure improvements throughout redevelopment areas. From basin repairs and bi-annual brick paver sanding to streetlight replacements and corridor beautification, these enhancements help create safer, more inviting public spaces for residents, businesses, and visitors alike. Our recent purchase of a new landscaping truck, maintenance Kubotas, and the dedicated efforts of (3) CRA-funded service workers ensure these projects are executed efficiently and with care. By maintaining the char- acter and functionality of key community assets. From Patio de Leon to Centennial Park and beyond, we’re helping preserve the value of place and foster long-term vitality in every neighborhood we serve. This is redevelopment in action: targeted, thoughtful improvements that strengthen the foundation of our city, block by block. CRA Board Updates CRA Board of Commissioner 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 announces live Request for Statement of Qualifications for Innovation Walk Master Plan – Bloom to bring affordable housing to essential-workers – Get featured as a small business spotlight UPCOMING EVENTS Dr. MLK Listening Session Thursday 07/31/2025 5:30 – 7:30 PM • Proposed plan overview 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 CPI MATCHING GRANT PROGRAM Revitalize your property, enhance your curb appeal, and attract more customers with the Fort Myers CRA’s Commercial Property Improve- ment Matching Grant (CPIMG) program! Get More Info This grant cycle is closed. – Cleveland CRA – Dr. MLK CRA – Downtown CRA – Cleveland Signage Program For more information >>Email Xavier Colon, [email protected] Affordable Housing Update One of the most impactful ways CRA reinvestments work is by supporting affordable housing initiatives that provide safe, high-quality homes for individuals and families. Read the Spring 2025 overview here. Read the Report 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 Redevel- opment Agency is creating. [§ 163.356, Fla. Stat.] IMPORTANT LINKS Interactive Redevelopment Area Maps Upcoming CRA Meetings Redevelopment Plans Dr. MLK Redevelopment Plan Update Read the 2024 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. 2024 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]ov 239-321-7100 |
