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Board weighs zoning changes, incentives and workforce housing as city becomes redevelopment-focused
Summary
Members discussed a shortage of shovel-ready commercial sites, the need to revise mixed-use zoning, and incentives or programs to spur workforce housing near job centers and reduce long commuter distances.
Board members used the discussion that followed John Talmadge’s presentation to focus on Fort Myers’ land‑use constraints and housing needs. Several members said the city lacks shovel‑ready commercial parcels and urged revisiting zoning and mixed‑use code to create mid‑rise or small‑unit housing capacity and commercial buffers where appropriate.
Members argued for staff briefings by planning and zoning staff (they suggested inviting Carrie Mock or Steve Belden) to examine options such as reducing minimum unit sizes, permitting accessory dwelling units and using city-held funds or code changes to ensure workforce or affordable housing is developed rather than relying solely on developer contributions.
The board made a motion to invite zoning staff to the February meeting to review current regulations and possible incentives. The motion was seconded and will be recorded for the next agenda.
