Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Mitigation Grant topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
CRA approves up to $100,000 mitigation grant for Bayview Court LLC to weatherproof downtown property
Summary
The Fort Myers CRA advisory board approved a mitigation grant authorization of up to $100,000 for Bayview Court LLC to support weatherproofing and flood-mitigation upgrades to downtown holdings.
The Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency advisory board voted to approve a mitigation grant recommendation for Bayview Court LLC, authorizing a maximum award of $100,000 to support weatherproofing and flood-mitigation upgrades at downtown properties.
Michelle Hilton Terry, executive director for the redevelopment agency, described the program as limited to a downtown footprint "between the bridges from Bay Street to the South Side of 1st Street." She said eligible expenses include protective barriers, water-management systems, structural reinforcement, generators and exterior hardening.
Matthew Slaughter, representing Bayview Court LLC, told the board the owner has completed impact windows and doors and is installing panel barriers. "We've been here since 2011," Slaughter said, describing his efforts to mitigate damage after Hurricane Ian and to keep long-term tenants such as Fancy’s Southern Café in business. He said cost to date on the work is $158,000 and that the project will include a 4.2-foot flood barrier and industrial humidifiers.
Slaughter noted the property includes two adjacent parcels at 1412–1414 Bayview Court; he said the 1412–1414 building is historically designated and that work must meet code and egress requirements. He described the project as two separate permit sets for two buildings under the same ownership and said final inspections and egress solutions remain part of the work.
Recording secretary stated the recommendation: "Approve the Bayview Court LLC grant application in the maximum award amount of $100,000." Commissioner Doyle moved to approve the recommendation; Commissioner Bartholomew seconded. The board took a voice vote; the chair declared the motion unanimous. Recording notes that Commissioner Rachel Smith, participating via Zoom, voiced "Aye." No opposition was recorded.
The CRA staff reported during the meeting that the agency budgeted $1,000,000 for the mitigation grant program and that awarded funds to date remain below the halfway point of that budget.
The board’s action authorized the grant award; staff will process the grant paperwork and verify invoices and permits before disbursing funds.
