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Fort Myers council moves forward with $2.0M purchase for Challenger Boulevard extension
Summary
The council approved advertising a public hearing to acquire roughly 2.02 acres and a 0.28-acre slope easement from 4011 Colonial LLC for $2,000,000 to support the Challenger Boulevard extension. Members debated paying above an appraisal and alternatives including eminent domain.
The Fort Myers City Council voted Feb. 17 to proceed with a public hearing on a proposed purchase of land from 4011 Colonial LLC for the Challenger Boulevard extension project, approving staff to advertise a March 2 hearing on the $2,000,000 offer and associated closing costs.
Council members pressed staff on valuation and acquisition strategy during a lengthy discussion. One council member asked why the city would offer $2,000,000 for property that the backup materials showed had an appraisal of roughly $1,050,000. City Manager Marty Lawing said the higher figure reflected negotiations with the owner and the time pressures tied to the hospital project, explaining: "we had quite a few sessions with the owner...there's a deadline or a timeline that we need to have this roadway in and that is tied to the completion of the hospital." City Attorney Grant Alley explained the eminent-domain alternative and its costs and timelines: "Eminent domain is a tool you can use...it requires full compensation, and there's all different kinds of damages," including legal and expert fees.
Staff confirmed financing for the purchase will come from road impact fees as part of the larger project budget. Council discussion also noted that the acquisition is intended to create an additional access point to a planned hospital site and to improve traffic flow in a congested corridor. After questions about budget and timing, the council voted to advertise the purchase and associated public hearing; the clerk recorded the motion as carried.
Next steps include the March 2 public hearing when the council will receive public comment and finalize any purchase authorization or further direction.
