The Fort Myers Housing Authority and others held a grand opening for two new affordable housing developments in the local community of Dunbar on Thursday.
The two new developments offer 212 units.
One was called Palmetto Court, which was torn down and became East Pointe Place. The other was called Sabal Palm Apartments, which was rehabilitated and renamed the Landings at East Pointe.
Executive Director of the Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers Marcus Goodson said Sabal Palm was “substandard” before its renovation.
“It wasn’t a place that I felt comfortable housing families in. It was roach-infested, perhaps probably even rat-infested. We had rotten wood, we had leaks, we had substandard heating and air,” he said. “It was due for a total retrofit.”
The project cost about $38 million. It’s part of a public/private partnership between Pinnacle Housing Group and the housing authority.
Former occupants were moved out of the complexes about a year ago. Goodson said they were relocated to other public housing units or given vouchers. He said most have returned.
Stacey Gordon moved into East Pointe Place in September from Cape Coral.
She said she hopes the new facilities send a message to younger residents.
“The children that are growing up here. I want them to see that we deserve to have better. I think that’s what the message is, is showing people that you can have something great and grow from it,” she said.
Gordon said her move to East Pointe Place is a “fresh start.”
