Fort Myers continues with $30M Midtown redevelopment project

The City of Fort Myers is making progress with a $30 million Midtown redevelopment project that aims to create a safer, more walkable neighborhood. "The Midtown redevelopment project is really a project to replace all of our infrastructure within the public right-of-way down in our Midtown area," said Nicole Setzer, city engineer for Fort Myers. Setzer explained that Phase 1 will focus on Central Avenue, Broadway, Victoria Avenue, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. The initial work will bring new water, sewer and stormwater infrastructure while rebuilding streets and sidewalks, as well as adding lighting, landscaping, street furniture and signage. Phase 1 will also bring new streetlighting, landscaping, signage, and the city’s new police station to the area. Underground utility work began this summer, and the first phase is expected to be substantially completed by 2027. "The infrastructure in Midtown is old. It is not of a quality or size that can support the enhanced construction and development that we expect to happen in Midtown," Setzer said. "So we went ahead and did Union Street to put those new utilities in so that we didn't have to disrupt Montage further down the road." Local business owners are already noticing changes in the area. "It has been like a really good scene for us because, I mean, just visually, we have new benches, we have the lights, and we have a more beautiful place to look at through our windows, you know," said Lily Suarez, an architect who works in Midtown. Mickey Rosado, owner of Appliances to Go USA, says so far, he's loved everything that's been done in the area. "Safety is so paramount for any community. And we try to keep all the trees clean so customers feel comfortable coming to our location, and that's really important for the city to invest in their own safety," Rosado said. The public can learn more about the project at a public meeting happening at the Collaboratory at 2031 Jackson Street. Project renderings of the new streetscaping will be available for viewing, and representatives from the city and the construction firm will be on-site to answer questions. DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.