County asks NFM residents to weigh in
A team of consultants studying the business potential in North Fort Myers is now conducting survey they hope will provide both data and community input.
The consultants have set up an online survey so residents, property owners and other stakeholders can have a say in how the future of North Fort Myers could look.
Rachel Busch, strategic projects manager for the Lee County Economic Development Office, said she collected the names of those who went to last month’s kickoff meeting and others from the revitalization task force, development community and others in the real estate community.
“I’ve spoken to about 100 of them. We’re looking now for input from any type of stakeholder,” Busch said. “It can be anyone interested in the future of North Fort Myers.”
Lee County approved a $50,000 study to see what business opportunities exist in North Fort Myers. A team of three consultants, led by DCG Corplan Consulting, was hired to perform the study.
During the kickoff last month, the consultants said the most important part of their study would be community participation by providing recommendations and opinions that can be evaluated in light of realistic economic strategies.
But the more data, the better. With the expected delivery time of the study to be sometime in June, there is some urgency.
“Having more data points gives the study more validity,” Busch said. “The consultants know about that more than anybody.”
Bruce Hoch, managing director of DCG, said data collection is going well, but it’s way too early to make any determinations, as he also has other issues to look into.
“Data collection is ongoing. I’m trying to find out about utilities and infrastructure potential and limitations. How much can we do in this area without excessive public investment?” Hoch said. “We have a new survey launching, which will be a bellwether on how people receive what we’re planning to suggest.”
Hoch said he hopes a couple hundred more people contribute.
The target area of the study extends from the Caloosahatchee River to Pondella Road and includes the lands between and immediately adjacent to U.S. 41 and Business 41.
The consultants have been engaged by the county to determine the type and size of new development opportunities that the target area can sustain.
The survey is available online at
www.surveymonkey.com/r/NorthFortMyers
If you have a problem logging on, you may have to check your browser.
The consultants need residents to answer 10 questions about the North Fort Myers study area. It asks what kind of businesses and housing the area needs, as well as how to best utilize the Caloosahatchee River.
Responses are completely confidential and will help the consultants and Lee County in shaping the future of the community.