Efforts renewed to revitalize NFM shopping center

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NORTH FORT MYERS, Fla.- A North Fort Myers eyesore located just off the Caloosahatchee Bridge could soon get a makeover.

The North Fort Myers Civic Association is hoping something can be done to fix up the almost empty 33-acre shopping center known as Hancock Bridge Square. It once had large anchor stores like Walmart and Office Max, but now there’s only a laundromat, quilting store and Subway restaurant.

“The concerns basically are, how do you revitalize North Fort Myers given all the constraints of both demographics and economics?” said urban planner Greg Stuart.

Property owners not only have the daunting task of filling the stores, but the parking lot also needs major repairs. Stuart says revamping large shopping centers like Hancock Bridge Square could have a huge impact on the area.

“You’re bringing new people of different age groups, different economic profiles to the area. Once that market starts to kick off, obviously business owners, developers will see more opportunities. It’s a long-term ripple effect,” said Stuart.

The renewed efforts include asking local lawmakers and property owners to come up with their plans for the area.

 

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