Change is on the horizon for the city of Fort Myers. The city just approved an increase in the height of a proposed new hotel downtown, raising it from nine stories to 11.
WINK News reporter Haley Zarcone was present when the decision was made. The public opinion was notably split on the matter.
Some residents expressed concerns that the taller building could diminish the historic charm of downtown Fort Myers. The hotel will be located across from the Sydney and Berne Davis Center, taking over a vacant lot. Many believe it should blend in with the existing city vibe and honor its history.
Both city officials and historic preservation leaders agreed on maintaining the city's character. However, when it came time to vote, the additional two floors received approval.
"It's discouraging that the vote passed to raise it to 11 stories, but it's also encouraging that it wasn't unanimous," said one resident. "That just tells me that our city is divided on where we're going in the future and what we want our city to look like."
Others in favor of the height increase argued that more floors would allow for more people to enjoy downtown Fort Myers. An entrepreneur aiming to expand his small business from the Franklin Shops to a larger storefront shared his perspective.
"I don't think an increase of something, you know, a percentage that small is going to drastically alter the face of downtown," he said. "And it's going to bring that many more people who are going to check in, the hotel rooms, check out, go, check out, the local restaurants, the retail, the club scene. It's going to really give a boost to downtown."
The owners of the lot where the hotel will be built stated that the extra height and additional 35 rooms were necessary to make the project financially viable.
Mayor Anderson, who voted in favor of the height increase, said the impact of those extra rooms on downtown was a significant factor in his decision.