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CRA approves multiple matching grants, budget amendments and recovery programs; paint and home-repair efforts continue
Summary
The board approved a slate of matching and property-improvement grants across Cleveland Avenue and downtown, moved several budget amendments for redevelopment areas totaling millions in appropriations, and heard reports on residential paint and home-preservation programs that repaired dozens of homes after Hurricane Ian.
Commissioners voted to approve multiple grant awards and budget amendments at the April 23 meeting. Staff recommended several matching grants under tiered programs (tier 1: 75% up to $50,000; tier 2: 50% up to $200,000). The board approved awards for Cleveland Avenue and downtown applicants after motion and second; one commissioner recused on a matter with a professional relationship.
Council also adopted several budget amendments (resolutions CRA2025-05, CRA2025-044, CRA2025-02 and others) to allocate funds across redevelopment districts, including a $9,944,571.33 adjustment for the Dr. MLK Jr. Boulevard area and smaller appropriations for Cleveland Avenue, downtown and Central Fort Myers redevelopment areas. Staff reported the residential paint program completed 48 homes last year and is on track for 50 this year; the Habitat for Humanity partner reported using forgivable liens for repairs up to $25,000 per house in the home-preservation program.
Board members stressed prioritization of funds to areas with the greatest need and suggested future workshops to consider caps or a formal policy for incentive levels across districts.
