FORT MYERS, Fla. — The Community Redevelopment Agency voted to terminate the existing contract with developer Alexander Goshen for the McCollum Hall project in Fort Myers' Dunbar community.
Miles Alexander III, lead principal at Alexander Goshen, has been pushing to redevelop McCollum Hall since January when he took the project on as a solo developer. During Monday's meeting, he accused the city of discrimination and suggested the decision could lead to gentrification in the Dunbar community.
"They do not want someone who looks like me in control of this project," Alexander said.
Watch Fort Myers Community Correspondent Miyoshi Price's report:
Back in April The Fort Myers City Council denied a $4.2 million investment to support the redevelopment of McCollum Hall, a historic landmark that once served as a vibrant cultural center with stores and even a nightclub in its prime.
The historic building on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard would have been transformed into a facility with hydroponic farming, community spaces, and a food hall.
In April, many of the council members shared that they did support the concept of the project. They requested that the developer provide a cost breakdown.
In June, Fort Myers city leaders voted to work with the Community Redevelopment Agency to restore McCollum Hall to a usable space, marking a pivotal moment for community advocates.
The city council did not approve giving $4.2 million to the current developer of the historic property, but instead to the CRA.
"We have also several times asked to withdraw the $4.2 million request, and now I see that they're using that as a pretext to take McCollum Hall back," Alexander said.
Alexander claimed that the city has ulterior motives for the historic property, which he thinks will not benefit locals.
"They already have plans, and the plans are not to benefit the Dunbar people. If they get their way and they do what they want to do with the property, I believe that you will be priced out, displaced, and replaced," Alexander said.
The CRA commissioners cited multiple reasons for terminating the contract, including the company's failure to start and complete construction as required by their agreement. The CRA commissioners also stated Alexander Goshen did not construct the project according to the final design documents approved by the CRA. The CRA commissioners said in the Notice of Default and Intent to Terminate letter that the developer's "admitted inability to obtain the Project Financing Commitment necessary to undertake the project", justified their reason to terminate the contract.
STATEMENT PROVIDED BY ALEXANDER GOSHEN:
Alexander Goshen has never admitted to being unable to obtain the financing commitment necessary for the McCollum Hall project. In fact, the developer submitted a request to staff to withdraw the $4.2 million funding request.
When asked about the next steps for the historic building, Teresa Watkins Brown, chair of the Community Redevelopment Board, emphasized the importance of community involvement in future plans.
"Well, actually, it's the CRA. We will be partnering with the City of Fort Myers. We will have some sessions with the community for their input on making sure that what we plan to put there is what the community wants," Watkins Brown said.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE:
Fort Myers City Council denies McCollum Hall developers' request for $4.2 mil:
Fort Myers council to collaborate with CRA on McCollum Hall; $4.2M still unsure.
Developer delivers cost breakdown for $4.2M McCollum Hall project, awaits city funds:
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
