The Lee County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) convened on November 5, 2024, to discuss various community development projects and funding allocations. The meeting began with public comments, where advocates presented two significant housing projects seeking funding.

The first project highlighted was Ava Square, a proposed 21-unit senior housing development in Cape Coral. The speaker emphasized that this project is shovel-ready, with all necessary permits and fees already secured. Ava Square received a tier 1 designation, ranking as the highest among applications in Cape Coral, yet it was not selected for funding. The speaker expressed concern that no projects had been awarded in Cape Coral despite the substantial funding available for housing developments.

The second project discussed was Tilton Court, which aims to provide 72 units of affordable and supportive housing in Fort Myers, specifically targeting individuals experiencing homelessness. This project is notable for its commitment to include units for at-risk populations, such as youth aging out of foster care. The speaker urged the commissioners to consider funding for both Ava Square and Tilton Court, highlighting their importance in addressing vulnerable demographics.

Following public comments, commissioners engaged in discussions regarding the funding process and the recommendations made by the evaluation committee. Commissioner Pendergrass acknowledged the extensive work done by the committee, which reviewed numerous applications and spent significant time evaluating them. The committee's recommendations were based on a rigorous scoring system, and the commissioners recognized the challenges of selecting projects from a pool of over a billion dollars in requests.

The board deliberated on the possibility of future funding rounds, with discussions about how to allocate remaining funds effectively. Options included supporting additional infrastructure projects or further rounds of affordable housing development. The commissioners also considered the implications of their decisions on the community's needs, particularly in light of recent disasters affecting areas like Sanibel.

As the meeting progressed, there was a motion proposed to allocate $5 million for low and moderate-income housing units on Sanibel, reflecting the urgent need for recovery in the area. The commissioners agreed to discuss this motion further, indicating a willingness to address the pressing housing needs in the community.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the ongoing challenges in addressing affordable housing and support for vulnerable populations in Lee County. The discussions highlighted the importance of careful consideration in funding allocations and the need for continued advocacy for projects that serve the community's most at-risk residents. The board's next steps will involve further deliberation on the proposed projects and potential funding opportunities.