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Council backs exploring urban‑design consultant to shape Midtown
Summary
Council signaled support for hiring an urban‑design consultant to shape Midtown redevelopment, favoring form‑based approaches to prevent low‑density, incompatible infill and to preserve walkability and mixed‑use character.
Council members at the Fort Myers workshop discussed options to guide Midtown redevelopment and indicated interest in engaging an urban‑design consultant to shape form, scale and frontage requirements. Staff said the city has seen small, low‑density infill (duplexes, scattered development) that may not generate the revenues needed for infrastructure; obtaining a consultant under an existing municipal contract could speed work. "We will not be able to achieve the ... the type of redevelopment we wanna see in Midtown," staff said when urging early intervention.
Several council members urged form‑based zoning or a special Midtown district to protect architectural character and encourage mixed use. Council member Geraldo presented visual handouts and warned that without clear urban design standards Midtown risks becoming a series of anonymous, automobile‑oriented structures rather than a walkable neighborhood. Staff said downtown's smart code provides a starting point but that Midtown will require specificity around facades, streetscapes and allowable densities.
