Council permits Michael Love to proceed if he posts $1,000 bond and begins construction within six months

Fort Myers City Council voted to let property owner Michael Love proceed with construction on a lot previously subject to an affordable-housing owner-builder agreement after he agreed to post a $1,000 bond and begin work within six months.

Council members discussed outstanding administrative items — including a $485 code lien, permit fees and demolition needs — before approving the conditional extension. Councilmember Watson moved the bond condition, Councilmember Bauschay seconded, and the measure passed in a roll-call vote 4–2.

Michael Love told the council he had paid back taxes and arranged financing and contractors. He described prior steps taken on the property and asked the council to allow final permitting and construction: “Ill pay the $814, and Ill commission, Extreme Demolition to start preparing the property,” he said, summarizing the work and the permit fee he said he would cover.

City staff and council members pressed for proof of financing and a timetable. Community Development Director Steve Belding confirmed plans had been submitted and that the permit application was on hold pending the council decision; he said the city was owed about $485 in code-enforcement liens and noted demolition of debris and tree removal had been estimated by a contractor at roughly $88,400.

To address concerns about stalled projects, council members set the following conditions: Love must provide a $1,000 bond, obtain the active building permit and start work; the bond would be released after he passed his first inspection. Council clarified that the permit becomes active for six months after issuance, and the bond would be forfeited if the work did not begin and inspections were not passed within that window.

The council recorded a roll call: Watson — yes; Beauchetta — yes; Burson — no; Banc — no; Brown — yes; Mayor Kevin B. Anderson — yes. Mayor Anderson said the arrangement sought to balance the citys interest in seeing the lot developed with the applicants claim of readiness.

The council's action stops short of reinstating the owner-builder agreement; it provides a narrowly tailored path for Mr. Love to proceed while the city retains the ability to reclaim the lot if the conditions are not met.

Next steps: Mr. Love must submit documentary proof of financing or post the $1,000 bond, secure the permit and pass an initial inspection within six months to avoid forfeiture of the bond and potential reversion of the property to the city's inventory for affordable housing.