New affordable housing complex Latimer Crossing is set to open in Fort Myers in 2026, offering hope to many in the community seeking affordable rental options.
Watch Fort Myers Community Correspondent Miyoshi Price’s report:
New Affordable Housing Complex Latimer Crossing Set to Open in Fort Myers in 2026
Nicole Sparks, a local renter and resident of Fort Myers, has not hesitated to voice her concerns about the city’s escalating housing costs. “The prices are too expensive,” she expressed candidly, a sentiment shared by many whose dreams of a comfortable home have been overshadowed by financial strain. She highlighted the challenge of juggling rent, utilities, food, and transportation costs. It’s a delicate balancing act, one that many families know all too well.
While Sparks is fortunate to have secured a place to live, her mind often drifts back to the overwhelming difficulties she faced during her housing search. The frustration and anxiety of not knowing where to turn for affordable options linger in her memory.
Recently, FOX4’s Miyoshi Price took a tour of Latimer Crossing, strategically located off Cleveland Avenue. This exciting new complex stems from a $30 million grant aimed at enhancing housing and urban development, a lifeline awarded to the Fort Myers Housing Authority in 2021. For those connected to Southward Village, Latimer Crossing serves as a beacon of hope, with the possibility of affordable housing just around the corner.
Marcia Davis, the executive director of the housing authority, provided insights into the design and services Latimer Crossing will offer. “These are mainly one- and two-bedroom units. It will feature a commercial front, since it is located on a commercial corridor within the Cleveland Avenue CRA district,” she explained. This unique setup allows for local businesses to be integral to the community’s fabric, encouraging a lively, engaging atmosphere.
As the development gears up for completion, Marcia Davis also shared that they are actively seeking retail tenants to occupy the commercial spaces available. Beyond this, she highlighted amenities for residents—think gyms, community gathering areas, and inviting outdoor spaces designed for families. The complex consists of 92 units spread across four buildings, each thoughtfully designed to foster community connection.
The topic of affordable housing invariably raises questions. Many residents wonder if those using Section 8 vouchers can also find refuge at Latimer Crossing. In response, Davis confirmed, “Yes, we are. We will accept housing choice vouchers for that property, creating truly mixed-income opportunities.” The plan includes nine market-rate units, alongside units subsidized at various income levels. This considerate approach aims to embrace a diversity of residents, including those earning 60% of the Area Median Income or less.
Latimer Crossing stands as a significant response to the pressing demand for affordable housing in Fort Myers, a city where the cost of living can feel insurmountable at times. By fostering a mixed-income community, it offers a glimmer of hope for many who long for a place to call home. The dream of affordable living could soon morph into a reality, positively impacting the local housing landscape for years to come.
