County planners discuss future of North Fort Myers
North Fort Myers has seen its share of successes in the past year, with more expected in the future.
And while there’s been a lot of growth to the south and east, it’s only a matter of time before that growth heads over the bridge.
That’s what two members of the Lee County Department of Community Development told residents during a North Fort Myers Civic Association luncheon Friday at the Road 41 Grille and Fish Market.
Mostly, the meeting was to review the rules and regulations that are in place specific to North Fort Myers to encourage development and to go over the numbers regarding development and code enforcement, and they were encouraging.
Sharon Jenkins-Owen, principal planner, told the nearly 20 people present that the area has seen 71 permits for single family homes since the beginning of the year (out of nearly 100 in all unincorporated Lee County) and 2,485 code enforcement cases, nearly two-thirds of which were initiated by staff. More than 80 percent of those cases are now closed.
Also, the area has seen the opening of Love’s Travel Stop, and Tractor Supply on Bayshore Road, and the Racetrac gas station across from Merchant Crossing Shopping Center, which has just seen a change in ownership and plans on filling up some of those empty storefronts.
Add to that the interest in Hancock Square to build a Ross’ and Marshall’s and there seems to be forward progress.
“This is the time for North Fort Myers to really start to grow and do well. We’re going to see a lot more development coming this way and there’s more interest here,” Jenkins-Owen said. “I feel like we’re on the precipice of something really cool happening.”
The premium real estate that is at the center of most development is the area between the 41s from the river to Pondella Road, with the large scale plans including a mixed-use, downtown-like area with shops and residential development similar to what downtown Fort Myers has.
There are also other high density areas, as well as near the I-75 interchange, that could support development.
Tony Palermo, senior planner, said he has seen the area face challenges, and has seen the empty storefronts that need to be filled, fixed or even rebuilt before development becomes feasible. But he has also seen the potential.
“North Fort Myers has potential. The next 10 years can be great for the area. People are going to catch on that properties here are more affordable,” Palermo said. “Redevelopment is a challenge with properties with drainage and other issues. It’s easier to take vacant land and develop it into something interesting.”
Al Giacalone, acting president of the civic association, said people need to identify what needs to be done, and do the work, to continue the positive momentum.
“The meeting brought some good information to the residents. Some of us have heard it seven times, but is good to identify the avenue in which to go to continue to revitalize North Fort Myers,” Giacalone said. “It’s up to the plaza owners to make their properties attractive so they can get businesses in there that can attract tenants.”