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Council approves $2.0 million purchase for Challenger Boulevard extension despite appraisal concerns
Summary
The council voted to buy roughly 2.02 acres and a 0.28‑acre slope easement from 4011 Colonial LLC for $2,000,000 for the Challenger Boulevard extension after staff said the appraisal accounted for predevelopment costs; some councilmembers raised concern about paying above appraisal.
At a public hearing the City of Fort Myers council approved the purchase and sale agreement to acquire about 2.02 acres and a 0.28‑acre slope easement from 4011 Colonial LLC for $2,000,000 plus closing costs to support the Challenger Boulevard extension (Ward 5).
A councilmember questioned why the city would offer $2,000,000 when the property appraised at $1.5 million. Staff and the presenting engineer (Nicole Setzer) said the appraisal considered predevelopment costs including wetland work ($29,300), engineering ($61,000), mitigation credits ($720,100), miscellaneous permits ($25,000), and large clearing and filling costs (amount shown in transcript as $7,789,378 but cited as part of whole‑property clearing numbers used in appraisal). Setzer confirmed those items were included in the appraisal.
One councilmember said condemnation was an option but staff described potential timeline and litigation tradeoffs. After the discussion the council voted to approve the purchase. The motion carried on a roll call vote.
The purchase authorizes staff to proceed with closing and to apply the property to the Challenger Boulevard right‑of‑way and related right‑of‑way work. Staff noted the acquisition supports the city’s transportation project schedule.
