Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Storm Mitigation Grant topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
CRA approves downtown storm-mitigation grant for Fancy’s owner after Ian repairs
Summary
The CRA approved a maximum downtown storm-mitigation award to Bayview Court LLC (owner of Fancy’s and adjacent historic properties). Owner Matthew Slaughter said he has spent about $158,000 on repairs and mitigation; staff said the downtown mitigation program has awarded roughly $300,000 of a $1,000,000 fund so far.
The Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency voted to approve a maximum award from its downtown business storm-mitigation program to Bayview Court LLC, the ownership that includes Fancy’s restaurant on Bay Street and adjacent historic buildings.
Director Hilton Terry described the program, launched Oct. 1, as intended to bolster resilience for downtown businesses by funding eligible measures such as flood panels, impact windows and doors, strapping and generators. "So far, we have awarded approximately $300,000 of the $1,000,000," Terry said, and staff identified a maximum award level for the Bayview Court property in the presentation.
Matthew Slaughter, partner-manager for Bayview Court LLC, told commissioners he has spent $158,000 to date on repairs and mitigation, including impact windows and doors and permitting and installation of flood panels. “That 158,000 is everything spent to date,” Slaughter said. He said the grant is allowing the property to remain in operation and preserve its historic character.
Staff and the owner noted that flood-panel installations require egress compliance and some remaining work to finish permitting and close out the project. The board approved the grant award by motion (mover: Commissioner Berson; second: Commissioner Baucher) and passed it by voice vote.
The record shows staff described the downtown mitigation program geography as downtown between the two bridges and noted awards are paid from the CRA fund. Commissioners urged follow-up on larger parking and access issues affecting downtown events during subsequent presentations but did not attach additional conditions to the grant award at the meeting.
