CRA ADVISORY BOARD

MINUTES COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ADVISORY BOARD JANUARY 7,2026

CALL TO ORDER

The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Advisory Board of the City of Fort Myers, Florida, met in regular session at Oscar M. Corbin Jr. City Hall, 2200 Second Street, in Council Chambers, its regular meeting place on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Present were Jarrett Eady, Chairperson, James Holloway, Vice-Chair, C. Joe Coleman, Blake Bartholomew, Rachel Smith, and Mike Doyle, Board Members. Also present were Michele Hylton-Terry, Executive Director, and Corris McIntosh, Legal Advisor, Community Redevelopment Agency.

Absent: Geraldine Ware, Board Member.

Rachel Smith, Board Member arrived at 5:02 p.m. and left meeting at 6:14 p.m.

James Holloway, Vice-Chair left meeting at 6:30 p.m.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

1. PROCLAMATIONS AND SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS

The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Chairperson Eady.

Denise Croon, Sr. Administrative Assistant, Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) stated that she would be introducing four of the recipients of the Special Event Grants. Ms. Croon stated that each recipient would be presenting a summary of their 2024-2025 year's events and revenues and expenses.

1.2 PRESENTATION FROM THE FLORIDA REPERTORY COMPANY, INC. INCOMPLIANCE WITH THE SPECIAL EVENTS GRANT AGREEMENT WITH THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF FORT MYERS (CRA). THE FLORIDA REPERTORY WILL PRESENT THE 2024 2025 YEAR'S EVENTS AND SUMMARY OF THE ORGANIZATION'S REVENUES AND EXPENSES.

Devon Parker, President and CEO, Florida Arts Inc., presented their 2024- 2025 "Edge of Your Seat" season's events, along with a summary of their revenues and expenses.

* * *

Greg Longenhagen, Producing Artistic Director, Florida Repertory Theater, first stated their mission statement, then presented the year's events and revenues and expenses.

1.3 PRESENTATION FROM ARTFEST FORT MYERS IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE SPECIAL EVENTS GRANT AGREEMENT WITH THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF FORT MYERS (CRA). ARTFEST WILL PRESENT THE 2024-2025 YEAR'S EVENTS AND SUMMARY OF THE ORGANIZATION'S REVENUES AND EXPENSES.

Juan Santiago, Executive Director, ArtFest, presented a video of ArtFest, then talked about their revenues and expenses and the economic impact that ArtFest had on the city.

1.4

PRESENTATION FROM THE WOMAN'S COMMUNITY CLUB OF FORT MYERS, FLORIDA, INC. IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE SPECIAL EVENTS GRANT AGREEMENT WITH THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF FORT MYERS (CRA). THE FMWCC WILL PRESENT THE 2024-2025 YEAR'S EVENTS AND SUMMARY OF THE ORGANIZATION'S REVENUES AND EXPENSES.

Tuesday Shannon, Executive Board Member, Fort Myers Woman's Community Club, talked about the history of the club and stated that they were back decorating at the Langford Kingston Home and the Downtown Stroll. Ms.Shannon continued with her presentation of the year's events.

Michele Hylton-Terry, Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), stated that due to changes in the statute, the CRA would not be able to fund the special events in the future. Ms. Hylton-Terry stated that the City had taken over funding for the special event organizations.

1.5 PRESENTATION ON PROPOSED UNDERPASS IMPROVEMENTS FOR FIVE POINTS AND WEST FIRST STREET.

Mellone F. Long, Assistant Director, Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), stated that Items 1.5 and 1.6 would be discussed together. Dr. Long stated that Deb Gillen was the benefactor for these improvements and other downtown improvements. Dr. Long stated that Ms. Gillen had been meeting with the CRA and Kimley-Horn to come up with these ideas for improvements to the entry accesses of the downtown corridor. Dr. Long stated that these improvements will also be presented to the CRA Board of Commissioners and the Beautification Committee. Dr. Long introduced Kristen Alexa, Jacob Lennetz, and John Marion with Kimley-Horn. Kristen Alexa, Landscape Architect stated that they had been brainstorming ideas of how to excite people and draw more attention to the area that would appeal to everyone. Ms. Alexa presented three concepts for improvements. Concept A: A plan view of illuminated trees and larger sidewalks along the First Street and Main Street underpasses. Ms. Alexa stated that they would be working with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to abide by their standards and safety priorities. Concept B: A gateway feature using an organic form with larger pathways and opportunities to incorporate art, sculptures, and arches. Ms. Alexa stated that nighttime functions would also be considered. Concept C: Invokes the idea of mangroves and mangrove roots, creating a mangrove forest. Ms. Alexa stated that they would be working in conjunction with the Innovation Walk.

1.6 PRESENTATION ON PROPOSED LIGHTING DESIGN CONCEPTS FOR THE CALOOSAHATCHEE BRIDGE.

Jacob Lennetz, Roadway Engineer, Kimley-Horn, stated that the bridge was under FDOT jurisdiction and that they had a preapplication meeting with FDOT to confirm that the concept was acceptable and did not have any environmental issues. Mr.Jacob stated that state law allows for only red, white, or blue lighting. Mr.Jacob showed examples of the lighting schematics. Mr.Jacob stated that they were in the concepts phase and that they would stay on top of the FDOT for permitting timelines. Michele Hylton-Terry, Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), stated that the Innovation Walk was considered as they work through these improvements and would enhance the outcome of the Innovation Walk.

2. APPROVAL OF WALK-ON AGENDA ITEM(S)

None.

PUBLIC INPUT - AGENDA ITEMS

Speakers that wish to speak must submit a Request to Speak Form to the CRA Clerk prior to the beginning of the meeting for items on the Agenda. Public comments are limited to three (3) minutes per person. Public input on non-agenda items will appear at the end of the meeting.

3.1

MINUTES OF COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY (CRA) ADVISORY BOARD MEETING HELD NOVEMBER 5,2025.

* * *

MOTION: Chairman Eady stated that there were no objections to the consent Agenda, the Item passed with unanimous consent.

4. REGULAR AGENDA

4.1 TURCO TACO DOWNTOWN BUSINESS STORM MITIGATION AND RESILIENCY GRANT APPLICATION FOR 75% OF ELIGIBLE EXPENDITURES IN THE NOT-TO-EXCEED AMOUNT OF $47,500.00.

Michele Hylton-Terry, Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), stated incentives for the program and reviewed eligible improvements. Ms. Hylton-Terry stated that this was a pilot program and had been wellreceived. Ms. Hylton-Terry stated that one million dollars had been budgeted for the program. Ms. Hylton-Terry stated the location of the business and that they would be the first food establishment located at that end of downtown. Ms. Hylton-Terry stated the improvements to be completed and the total cost of the project was $63,275 and the grant request was for $47,457. Rebecca Ozturk, owner, stated that they had three other locations in Naples and that this would be their first location in Fort Myers.

MOTION: It was moved by Mr. Doyle, seconded by Mr. Coleman, and unanimously carried to recommend the Community Redevelopment Agency Board of Commissioners approve Turco Taco's grant application for the maximum award amount of $47,500 for storm mitigation and resiliency measures.

4.2 COMMERCIAL PROPERTY IMPROVEMENT MATCHING GRANT REQUEST FROM IMAD NORTH AMERICA INC. FOR 75% OF ELIGIBLE EXPENDITURES IN THE NOT-TO-EXCEED AMOUNT OF $41,013.83 (MLK).

Xavier Colon, Redevelopment Manager, Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), stated that the property was located at 5001 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Mr. Colon stated that the improvement was to update the signage. Mr. Colon stated that the average quote was $54,685.11 and the 75% request was for $41,013.83. Mr. Colon stated that they scored a 28 out of 40 on the grading scale. Mr. Colon stated in answer to Mr. Bartholomew's question that preference was given to landscaping and signage on the grading scale and further mentioned how the grading scale was scored. Mr. Colon stated that it was five years before a business would be able to request another grant.

* * *

MOTION: It was moved by Vice-Chair Holloway, seconded by Mr. Bartholomew, and unanimously carried to recommend that the Community Redevelopment Agency Board of Commissioners approve a Commercial Property Improvement Matching Grant in the not-to-exceed amount of $41,013.83 for Imad North America, Inc., property located at 5001 Dr. MLK Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33901.