Contact: LaShaun Middlebrooks Collier, Deputy Director of Communications,
Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency: (239) 321-7100
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CRA approves commercial property improvement grants for downtown
FORT MYERS, Fla. (Sept 25, 2024) – The Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) recently approved five Commercial Property Improvement Matching Grants for the Downtown Redevelopment Area during their last meeting of the fiscal year.
The first grant was approved for Bare Roots Holding Company LLC’s property located at 2011 Bayside Pkwy. for the not-to-exceed amount of $45,086.24. The funds will be used to install a paver parking lot and new fencing, add wood accents to the building, planter boxes, new landscaping as well as conduct an exterior demo of old vent areas and patch holes.
The second matching grant was awarded to RMZ Investments LLC, in the not-to-exceed amount of $27,240 for their property located at 1611 Fowler St. Funds will be used to replace the deck and wheelchair ramp and paint and patch the exterior.
Thethird grant was approved for the not-to-exceed amount of $100,000 for Streets Properties, Inc., located at 2219 Main St. The awarded funds will be used to paint the building, window and door restoration, complete a balcony, blockwork and stucco and exterior patching.
The final grant is in the not-to-exceed amount of $7,987.50 for DAK Property Holdings Inc., located at 1520 Broadway to paint and patch structure’s exterior.
ABOUT 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.
