As Fort Myers considers redevelopment plans for the former News-Press site, a recent St. Pete Polls survey reveals significant voter opposition to subsidizing apartment construction.

According to the poll, 76% of voters believe Fort Myers doesn’t need more apartment complexes, and over 89% oppose using public funds to support such developments or guarantee developer profits.

“The numbers are clear: residents want a shift from residential projects to economic development,” the survey indicated.

The poll, conducted on Jan. 18-19 among 274 registered voters, comes as city officials prepare to vote on advertising a March 3 hearing regarding the proposed $11.5 million sale of the News-Press site to Catalyst Community Development. The developer’s plan includes at least 600 residential units, along with retail, office space, a hotel, and a grocery store.

While the development proposal may bring more housing and amenities, poll results suggest voters prefer a broader approach. Nearly 90% expressed a preference for using the land as part of a Midtown-Downtown redevelopment project instead of transferring it to a single developer.

Additionally, more than 67% of respondents supported dedicating funds from a $100-million park bond to turn the site into a regional park, likening it to a Central Park-style amenity.

“Voters are sending a message: they want investments that benefit the entire community, not just developers,” the report concluded.

The findings coincide with a CoStar market report cautioning about “significant supply headwinds” in Fort Myers' multi-family housing market, citing an oversaturation of new apartment units as a concern for the coming years.

As Fort Myers City Council deliberates on the site’s future, the public’s preference for economic development and green spaces could shape the city’s vision for redevelopment.