Fort Myers council approves $2 million offer for Challenger Boulevard right‑of‑way after debate over appraisal and eminent domain
Loading...
Summary
The City Council approved advertising a public hearing for a $2,000,000 purchase of roughly 2.02 acres and a 0.28-acre slope easement for the Challenger Boulevard extension. Council members questioned why the offer exceeded a cited appraisal; staff said the higher price was to avoid eminent domain delays tied to a hospital timeline.
The Fort Myers City Council on Feb. 17 approved moving forward with a proposed $2,000,000 acquisition of roughly 2.02 acres plus a 0.28‑acre slope easement from 4011 Colonial LLC for the Challenger Boulevard extension and authorized a public hearing on the purchase for March 2.
Councilmembers pressed staff on why the city's offer exceeded an appraisal cited in the packet. One councilmember asked, “Why would we make an offer of $2,000,000 on a piece of property that’s got an appraisal for [a lower amount]?” and argued the city was increasing the owner's property value by providing future roadway frontage and that landowners in the past have been expected to donate right‑of‑way where the city is doing major improvements.
City staff said the recommended purchase price reflected negotiations with the owner and a desire to avoid eminent domain litigation and delays. The city manager told the council, “it’s mainly a timing thing,” and noted project timing constraints tied to permitting with FDOT and coordination with Lee Health on access to its planned hospital.
City Attorney Grant Alley explained the eminent domain options and costs, telling the council that while condemnation is a legal tool the government can use, it “requires full compensation” and can involve added attorney and expert fees and lengthy valuation litigation.
Council debated fairness to the development community and whether to pursue condemnation if the seller would not lower the price. Staff said funds for the purchase are included as part of the project budget and will be paid from road impact fees. After discussion, council approved advertising the public hearing; the motion carried.
Next procedural steps include the March 2 public hearing on the acquisition. Staff indicated that if council rejects the purchase price the city could pursue eminent domain, which staff said would likely add legal and expert costs and extend the schedule.
