FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CRA approves improvement matching grants for local businesses in MLK corridor
FORT MYERS, Fla. (Jan. 24, 2024) – The Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) recently approved two Commercial Property Improvement Matching Grants for the MLK Redevelopment Area.
The first is for Ryan Van Horn, VH2 Properties LLC., located at 2269 Palm Ave in the not-to-exceed amount of $32,175. The grant will be used for window and door replacement and exterior painting.
The second grant was awarded to Vinay Daswani of New Next Level Holdings, Inc. for their property located at 3637 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in the not-to-exceed amount of $188,275.77. The funds will be used for installation of new fencing, parking lot improvements, exterior painting, new directional signage and landscaping and a new building façade.
With these two grants, $279,549.23 remains available in the Dr. MLK CPI Matching grant budget.
The CRA Commercial Property Improvement Grant Program is a matching grant for commercial property owners and businesses within Fort Myers redevelopment areas. The maximum potential grant available for a project is 50 percent of the total project cost, with a maximum award of $200,000. The Fort Myers CRA has offered commercial preservation incentives/grant programs since 2010 and grant awards are based on the availability of funds.
More information on the CRA’s Commercial Property Improvement Grant Program can be found at https://www.fortmyerscra.com/incentives/commercial-property-improvement-matching-grantABOUT THE FORT MYERS COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY (CRA)
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, public arts, affordable housing development, safety initiatives and historic preservation.
If left under-resourced, parts of our city risk remaining overlooked, affecting community spirit, and slowing economic growth. This lack of redevelopment doesn’t just impact current residents—it also discourages potential new businesses and families from making our city their home. 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 we’re creating. The Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency was created in 1984 by the City of Fort Myers, Florida, under Florida Statute Chapter 163. The Fort Myers City Council members, sitting as the Community Redevelopment Agency Board of Commissioners, oversee the Agency’s programs and policies. The Fort Myers CRA office is located at 1400 Jackson Street in the historical downtown River District.
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Contact: LaShaun Middlebrooks Collier, Deputy Director of Communications,
Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency: (239) 321-7100
