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CRA approves up to $50,000 matching grant for Franklin Shops window replacement
Summary
The Fort Myers City CRA approved a Tier‑1 commercial property improvement matching grant to replace damaged glass block at Franklin Shops (2200 First Street); the lowest estimate in the packet was $78,461.24 and the CRA's maximum contribution is $50,000.
The Fort Myers City Community Redevelopment Agency voted to approve a Commercial Property Improvement Matching Grant for the Franklin Shops at 2200 First Street intended to replace cloudy and damaged glass block.
Staff presented the application under the CRA’s Tier‑1 grant rules (75% reimbursement up to $50,000). The packet listed the lowest contractor estimate at $78,461.24; under the grant formula the maximum CRA reimbursement was stated as $50,000. A motion to approve the grant was moved and seconded and passed by voice vote.
A public commenter praised the Franklin Shops as a downtown retail anchor, recounted the property’s 13‑year history since the original grant that supported its creation, and noted plans for a ribbon‑cutting. "They really add to downtown," the commenter said, thanking staff and elected officials for the support.
The action recorded was approval of the matching grant; the board did not attach additional conditions in the public record at the time of the vote. The grant award will proceed through the CRA’s standard contracting and payment process.
