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Council backs studying Midtown urban design, staff advances streetscape choices
Summary
Council supported pursuing an urban design consultant and heard design updates for Midtown streetscape features including lighting, benches and shared‑use paths; staff said some streetscape elements must be selected to meet construction schedules even if an urban design process proceeds.
Fort Myers City Council signaled support Monday for pursuing an urban design consultant to guide Midtown redevelopment while staff said streetscape work is already moving forward and certain design choices must be made to keep construction on schedule.
Councilmembers described Midtown as an area at risk of piecemeal, low‑density infill that could undermine the long‑term redevelopment vision. Several members urged use of form‑based codes or a special Midtown district to control building frontage, scale and architectural character. "If we break it into all little pieces, let everyone do what they want, Midtown will never move into Midtown," Councilmember Bauschak said. (Councilmember Bauschak)
City staff said an urban design consultant could be procured through a standard solicitation or piggybacked from another municipality contract to speed delivery. Staff noted two urban designers are already working locally on adjacent projects. At the same time, Nicole Setzer of city staff and AIM Engineering presented a streetscape design for a Phase 1 area (northeast Midtown) that includes sidewalks, a 10‑foot shared‑use path separated from the roadway, landscaping, lighting and seating. Staff displayed sample bench and trash‑receptacle options and said they must select durable, maintainable fixtures that suppliers will still produce several years from now.
Council discussion focused on design detail and compatibility with any later urban design work. Some council members asked for benches and lighting that convey character rather than generic street furniture; staff said they were selecting options intended to be "timeless" and workable for a range of future building styles. Staff also said lighting photometrics will be done during design to ensure safety and to allow conduit and camera integration for future surveillance or fiber needs.
Councilmembers raised process questions: whether streetscape selections could be rescoped if an urban design consultant later recommended a distinct aesthetic, and whether the city should wait for redevelopment in some blocks before installing streetscape that might later be reworked. Staff said phasing and coordination with private redevelopment will be fluid and that some sections will be prioritized for construction this year.
No formal motion was taken; staff said they will continue procurement research for an urban design consultant and proceed with Phase 1 streetscape design and vendor selections to meet construction timelines.
