Royal Palm Towers' closure in Fort Myers sparks questions on affordable housing

The decision to vacate the building stemmed from the City of Fort Myers Housing Authority's assessment that the structure, despite having withstood multiple hurricanes, including Ian, needed significant repairs and upgrades.

Cinda Carothers, a resident of Royal Palm Towers for over 10 years, expressed her feelings about the move.

"I lived in Royal Palm Towers for over 10 years, and it came to a time when the city thought the building has served its purpose, even though the building had survived every hurricane, most significantly, Ian," said Carothers.

The Housing Authority had to decide whether to invest in repairs or construct a new building entirely.

"And so then, I guess, the city felt they had the right to take that building away from us not taking into consideration that people lived in a building," said Carothers.

WINK News anchor Corey Lazar took Carothers' concerns to Fort Myers Mayor Kevin Anderson. The mayor acknowledged the residents' attachment to the location.

"I understand people. It's a great location. You're almost, not quite in the heart of downtown, but almost in the heart of downtown, close to shopping, entertainment, and it's on the waterfront," said Anderson.

In August 2023, the Housing Authority of Fort Myers received approval from Lee County Commissioners to sell the Royal Palm Towers. Mayor Anderson explained the city's approach to affordable housing.

"We have to have a balance. A lot of people don't understand that. We can't go all low-income housing in the city. That kills the tax base, and it makes it difficult to operate the city. So we've got to have luxury units, we've got to have market-rate units, we've got to have workforce units, affordable units and low-income but there's a balance," said Anderson.

The Fort Myers Housing Authority's Southwest Florida Housing Foundation is constructing a new low-income housing complex, Strayhorn Place, off Lafayette Street to replace the Royal Palm Towers. This new complex will feature 80 units and be closer to Lee Memorial Hospital.

"They're going to be much more energy efficient. It's my understanding, the rent is going to stay the same, and with the rent being the same and being energy efficient, that should put more dollars in the tenant's pocket," said Anderson.

Carothers and her neighbors received housing vouchers to move to other low-income housing in Fort Myers and assistance with moving expenses. However, Carothers now grapples with loneliness, missing the sense of community she cherished at Royal Palm Towers.

"So I feel like I have lost a lot of friends because I'm easily. I make friends easily, and a lot of people, they were displaced," said Carothers.

Strayhorn Place, the new low-income housing complex replacing the Royal Palm Towers, is expected to be completed in the spring of 2027.