Neighbors concerned over new apartment complex affordability in Fort Myers

Hundreds of high-end apartments are expected to be coming to the city of Fort Myers.

But is it the right location for it?

Some neighbors tell us they want more affordable housing, but question whether the new development is actually affordable.

The apartment complex is slated to be built at the northwest corner of Michigan Avenue and Seaboard Street.

While some see this as a way to revitalize the area, others have concerns down the road.

Community advocate Crystal Johnson says, “It’s awesome to have development, we need it and we want it, however, not at all costs.”

Johnson has lived in the Fort Myers area for more than 30 years and near Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. for almost a decade.

She has concerns about the new Seaboard Waterside Apartment complex which is projected to be eight stories tall with 420 rental units.

The development just got approved for an $11.48 million tax rebate. In phase one, the base rental for a studio apartment is $975.

Johnson says she pays $900 for her home and it’s a four bedroom, three bath, one car garage, with central air, heat, and about 13-14 years old.

The Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency says this new complex is part of a bigger vision for the MLK area and will bring more money back into the community.

“I see businesses, small businesses. I see them coming in and doing what they did for MLK what they did for the downtown CRA.” Johnson added.

It’s expected to open in 2023.