NORTH FORT MYERS, Fla. — A once thriving plaza in North Fort Myers that became a haven for the homeless is finally coming down after years of contention.
The Hancock Bridge Square Plaza sits right along a busy U.S. 41 outside of downtown Fort Myers, and it soon will be home to hundreds of people.
The plaza was built back in 1984, and at that time, it was home to a Walmart and Office Depot, which was the last business to close. Since then, the area has fallen into disrepair. The 14 acres site recently sold for more than $12 million, and now plans call for building apartments on the property.
Crews are currently leveling the buildings, most of which have been empty for more than 10 years.
People who shop and work in the area have complained about the eyesore, even calling the area unsafe.
In 2021 a homeless camp had taken over the property. It was eventually removed, although homeless folks often wandered onto the property and camped there until asked to leave.
Dr. Kyle is a chiropractor with offices that sit in front of the plaza, and he welcomes the new apartments that are slated to be built.
“I’m very excited to see that there’s going to be a lot of new homes, as I understand, for people to be able to utilize that space,” Dr. Kyle said.
Lee County rezoning maps show 320 multi-family apartments will be built on the site.
Jimmy Kulbet is a new resident who recently moved to SWFL and said everywhere he goes; he is seeing a shortage of housing. He believes the location is ideal for people searching for a place to live and believes they will fill up instantly.
Lee County Commissioner Brian Hamman agreed and said the new apartment will be beautiful.
He has wanted the area cleaned up for years.
“We want to get some of these blighted businesses out of North Fort Myers. It’s an amazing community that deserves better than the rundown commercial corridor they have,” Hamman said.
The old Red Roof Inn next door is also being torn down. It’s not clear what’s going on the site, but folks who live and work there said they are feeling encouraged.
“I think it will make the whole city on the up and up,” Dr. Kyle concluded.
While many of the buildings in the plaza have been demolished, there is still a lot more to be taken down. It’s likely that crews will remain on scene, clearing the property for several months yet.
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