More Collier County Media Stories - Collier County Affordable Housing

Collier moves forward with $20M land purchase for conservation, affordable housing

Two weeks after rejecting a $23 million price tag for the Williams Reserve property, Collier County commissioners unanimously agreed to move forward May 28 when the seller accepted its $20.77 million offer. It’s the average of two independent appraisals for the roughly 2,247-acre property near Immokalee and Lake Trafford. The largest parcel, 1,410 acres, will be purchased using $11.98 million in Conservation Collier funds, and another 250 acres will be used for parks, including one named after the seller, James E. Williams Jr. Preserve, for at least 20 years. Another 412 acres will be dedicated to affordable, workforce housing.

Real Estate Finance house made from dollars made in3d software

Collier commissioners consider guesthouse rentals in Urban Estates

Affordable housing is a hot topic in Collier County. “It’s a crisis situation in Collier County– affordable housing,” said Tim Aten, senior editor for Gulfshore Business and Naples Press. Last week, commissioners moved forward with a plan to allow Urban Estates homeowners to rent guesthouses to address a critical shortage of workforce housing. “Right now, you’re allowed to have family members live there, rent-free, but you’re technically not allowed to rent without, even though people do,” Aten added.

Collier commissioners advance first proposal to build workforce housing with surtax money

In a first, Collier commissioners have approved a developer’s application for surtax dollars to build workforce housing. On Tuesday, the board voted unanimously to move the project forward. The next steps include the approval of a developer agreement, which will spell out the exact terms of the private-public partnership. To help finance its project, McDowell Housing Partners asked for up to $3.75 million to secure the land for it. Under the agreement, the county would buy the land, then lease it back to the developer.

Collier County rental program offers up $20,000 to residents impacted by Hurricane Ian

Collier County is offering a State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Hurricane Rental program that will provide up to $20,000 per qualified household impacted by Hurricane Ian. An applicant must be a current Collier resident and resident at the time Hurricane Ian came ashore on September 28, 2022. Applications for current Collier County residents who lived in the county at the time Hurricane Ian hit open Wednesday, May 17 at 12 p.m.

Governor DeSantis signs affordable housing bill in Naples

Senate Bill 102, the “Live Local Act,” invests $711 million in multiple programs to expand the availability of housing, downpayment assistance, and focused support for military communities, according to Governor Ron DeSantis’ Office. The investment under this legislation is nearly double the investment made in 2022-2023, which was already the highest investment in 15 years.

New head of Collier’s Affordable Housing Advisory group says time for awareness is past in county; commitment, resolve needed

The new chairman of the Collier County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee is no stranger to the group’s focal issue having dealt with it locally for the past 20 years and nationally for his entire career. Stephen Hruby is a founding principal of Architects Unlimited, a 34-year-old architectural, urban design and town-planning firm. He has more than 40 years experience in architectural design, community revitalization and development consulting.

New Senate bill passes to help workforce housing

A new bill in the Florida senate that lays out a new statewide workforce housing strategy has passed. The bill passed with support from senate president Kathleen Passidomo from Naples. Naples and all of Collier County are no strangers to workforce housing issues. But, with the new bill, there is not only new hope for workers but businesses too. Passidomo lives in Collier County and understands the affordable housing crisis facing many residents because it’s all around her. But her goal of helping people to live where they work remains a strong motivation.

Collier County Commissioners repeal 60-day rental ordinance

Across SWFL rental hikes have been at an all-time high and it has been a topic of discussion for the Collier County Board of County Commissioners and the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee. The Collier Commissioners voted 4-1 to repeal the rental ordinance that was passed in October.

Collier County business leaders, residents share impacts of lack of workforce housing

More than 400 people attended the Collier County Workforce Housing Forum hosted by Greater Naples Leadership on Wednesday. The event included eight employers in the Southwest Florida area struggling to find housing for their employees along with testimonies from six local residents who are challenged daily by a lack of affordable housing.

Community input makes a difference

Collier County is distinguished by a desire to continuously improve and to work toward being the kind of quality community in which we can all thrive. Fundamental to this effort is an understanding of what our community looks like today — our strengths and needs — so that we can continue to identify opportunities for Collier County and its residents.

No single solution to affordable housing problem

Safe, attainable, workforce housing. When I moved to Naples almost 43 years ago, the community was talking about the lack of housing for our workers. It was a problem then, and remains a persistent problem today in many areas of our state.

Collier County suffers from lack of affordable housing

Bill Maples is a highly regarded director of outpatient wound centers. He and his wife, residents of the Galveston Bay area, enjoyed visiting Southwest Florida and its beaches. So like thousands of people who get a taste of life in our area, they decided to move here permanently.

Collier County Housing Committee gathers new strategies to tackle affordability crisis

As 2023 approaches Collier County’s Affordable Housing Advisory Committee is gathering strategies to resolve the local affordable housing crisis. The 11-member committee holds the role of recommending strategies to the Board of Commissioners on providing housing affordability options and incentives for developers.

Lennar’s plans to build 400 apartments in eastern Collier County

Lennar, a national builder, has voluntarily agreed to set aside 10% of the total units as affordable housing.

Why we need affordable housing

Can we stop the exodus of our workers leaving Collier County, and actually begin to bring them back? I believe we can, but first we have to want to do this and convince our county and city leaders it’s essential we do this.

Collier Community Assessment to be updated this year — Community Survey now open

In 2016-2017, a collaborative and comprehensive process resulted in the first Collier County: Community Needs and Assets Assessment, published in 2018. The process, with the leadership of a cross-sector advisory committee, gathered information about the strengths of Collier County and helped to identify areas of greatest need.

Collier County may expand incoming housing with 114 multi-family units

Collier County leaders will discuss expanding its proposed housing projects with over 100 more multi-family units, but some say that the expansion could hurt the community. Some people are upset because they believe the county needs to focus on bringing in more affordable housing, since many are struggling to make ends meet, but county leaders believe they are keeping up with population growth by setting aside land for another 114 multi-family units.

Letters to the editor for Wednesday, August 3, 2022

With little fanfare and deep respect for a plea from Sheriff Kevin Rambosk, our Collier County commissioners last month unceremoniously increased our deputies’ pay by an unplanned $4 million. The reason given — these dedicated men and women can’t afford to pay their rents. Instead of investing $4 million into sustainable affordable housing, this money will flow directly into the hands of greedy landlords, taking full advantage of the barrel over which they hold our county leadership.

More affordable housing options could be coming to Collier County

A big part of unincorporated Collier County may get a bunch of new multifamily dwelling units. Some of these properties will include affordable housing options. Collier County Housing, Grant Development and Operations Manager, Jacob LaRow said the county continues to grow and these options are a way to keep families living within the community. “They’ve identified a number of entities – the county and public schools – in terms of retention and recruitment,” LaRow said. “They’re finding difficulty in retaining key employees so they’ve identified that this is a need.”

Guest opinion: What is affordable housing?

When we use the term “affordable housing” are we all speaking the same language? Do we mean workforce housing? Essential worker housing? Or something else? Has the term “affordable housing” become a pejorative, eliciting a vision of decaying housing projects our misguided cities built decades ago, with inadequate reserves for maintenance?

Ordinance up for vote by Naples City Council could make changes to SWFL’s affordable housing issue

In just a few hours, Naples City Council will vote on a new rule that they hope will help people who are struggling to find affordable housing. It would require landlords to give tenants 60 days written notice before they raise rent more than 5%. Rent for living at places like brand-new apartments being built right now. One of those affordable housing projects currently underway in Naples is called ‘The Harmony’ and it broke ground in March. It’s one of three affordable housing projects in East Naples.

Affordable housing crisis looking for help from Collier County officials

People struggling financially in Southwest Florida may see help from a project in the works to assist with the affordable housing crisis. Collier County Commissioners and the city of Naples Council discussed the issue on Tuesday. They know that too many people in Collier County and in the city are struggling to make ends meet. While officials keep pushing for more assistance programs and buying time until more buildings can go up.

Promoting affordable housing in Collier County

Collier County officials will meet to discuss creating affordable housing for teachers, nurses, firefighters and government employees at a meeting Wednesday morning. They’re looking at bringing hundreds of new units to the area. It’s no question that finding affordable housing these days is a challenge: People who work in Collier County often commute more than 30 minutes one way to reach their jobs because housing costs are so high.

Grant Helps Legal Aid Service of Collier County Assist At-Risk Tenants

Legal Aid Service of Collier County received a $40,000 grant from the Collier Community Foundation to assist in eviction diversion and homeless prevention efforts. “Legal Aid always places a high priority on using our lawyers to preserve the safety, health, and minimum economic security of our clients in need, which includes securing safe shelter and the ability to meet other basic needs,” said Carol O’Callaghan, deputy executive director of Legal Aid Service of Collier County.

County commissioners set to discuss affordable housing ordinance

The ongoing effort to ease housing costs continues in Southwest Florida. Collier County Board of Commissioners are set to discuss a few different ways to help people renting or looking to buy a home this morning. There are three main topics on the table today. One of them we’ve been reporting on for about a month. That’s the ordinance that would require more advanced notification when rent is being increased.

Naples closer to passing ordinance requiring 60-day notice of rental price increases

The City of Naples is trying to require landlords to give more notice of high rental price increases. The City Council passed the first reading of the ordinance that would require landlords to give tenants a 60-day notice if the rent will increase more than 5 percent.

Collier County commissioners reject law requiring landlord rent increase notice

The debate was repeatedly sidetracked by discussions about the affordable housing crisis as a whole and the county’s role in having millions of…

Ordinance doesn’t pass that could help rising rent prices in Collier County

Renters in Collier County are looking for changes with rising rent prices. Renters are asking for a 60-day notice from landlords if they’re raising the rent by 5% or more. But it doesn’t look like that’s going to happen as of right now. Rising rents, little notice, and no place affordable to move are what Collier County residents say as they continue their fight against the housing crisis.

Collier County Officials Will Vote on Measures To Relieve Housing Crisis – Restrictions for Landlords Increasing Rents?

The housing crisis currently facing Florida is well-publicized, and politicians across the state are being asked to step up to help those in need. Nikki Fried – Democratic challenger for the gubernatorial election has gone on record to state that “Floridians can’t afford Florida anymore”.

Homeless counts in Southwest Florida: Mixed findings but lack of affordable housing is grim

New data on homelessness shows a decline in Collier County and a jump in Lee County but experts in both communities caution the overall outlook is troubling due to dramatic rent increases hitting the most vulnerable. “Point in time” homeless counts are done annually over one or two days in late January to get a snapshot of the homeless numbers.

Panel discussion on affordable housing scheduled for May 16

Naples Chamber, Marco Island Chamber, Collier Visitor Bureau and the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association will host a panel discussion with local experts and legislators on affordable housing from 5:30 to 7 p.m. May 16 at Hilton Naples, 5111 Tamiami Trail N. Speakers include Michael Puchalla, executive director of Collier County Community Land Trust; Jacob LaRow, manager of Housing Grant & Development and Operations; Michael Dalby, president and CEO of The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce; and Lisa Lefkow, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Collier County.

Companies exploring ways to help employees afford housing in SWFL

If you are looking for a cheap apartment with a great view in Southwest Florida, good luck. Fort Myers is the second most overpriced rental market in the country, and businesses are having trouble keeping employees because of that high cost of living. As most people know firsthand, salaries here aren’t always matched up with the cost of living. Some companies can raise wages, but not enough to make an affordable living in Southwest Florida.

Affordable housing shortage has long been a problem in Southwest Florida. Can we fix it?

Missing $2.5B for affordable housing. The general government indifference on the topic appears to be melting away.

Collier officials on the fence over proposed rent increase notification law

Collier commissioners are on the fence over a proposed ordinance meant to give tenants a timely heads up before a rent increase. The ordinance would require landlords give tenants a 60-day notice if their rent will increase more than 5%. Commissioner Burt Saunders asked the board at its April 15 meeting to consider adopting the new law.

Collier rent increases would require 60-day notice under proposed law

Affordable housing activist Elizabeth Radi said she believes the ordinance is the least the county can do to help those struggling to make ends meet.

Rental assistance program in Collier risks losing millions in unspent funds

Collier County has until September to spend millions of federal dollars to assist households that are unable to pay rent or utilities. Collier has spent $5 million out of $11 million it received, and county commissioners are urging those in need to apply as soon as possible for a share of the remaining $6 million.

Affordable housing shortage has long been a problem in Southwest Florida. Can we fix it?

Missing $2.5B for affordable housing. The general government indifference on the topic appears to be melting away.

Rental assistance available for residents of Collier County

If you are behind on rent or utilities and it’s related to the pandemic, there’s money to help. A program is offering millions of dollars to renters in Collier County. “I’m hoping that they won’t look at this as a disgrace but more as an assistance,” said Penny Taylor, the District 4 County Commissioner. Collier County’s Community and Human Services Division says the funds must be used by September 30th.

Leaders in Collier County want landlords to give more notice before raising rent

Landlords are raising the rent on tenants, often with little notice. Leaders in Collier County want to change that by giving people a 60-day notice for rent increases. If the commissioners give their OK, the 60-day notice will only be for renters in the county, not renters in Naples or Marco Island. “It sends a message and I think it sends the right message that we want to, at least be fair to tenants,” said Collier County Commissioner Burt l. Saunders.

Florida is the least affordable place to live in the U.S.

Sally Starkey thought moving from Chicago to Florida would be easy. The 33-year-old publicist moved to Naples, Florida, when her husband got a nearby job. Familiar with the area from friends and family who vacationed there, the couple was excited to move, she said. “We thought we would have no problem finding a place to live,” Starkey said.

Support needed for affordable housing

Currently 40,000 folks who work in Collier County and Naples can’t afford to live here. If you get on any road heading north or east after 3 p.m., you’ll see them struggling in traffic to get home. Same thing every morning. Rents are rising to unseen levels, and our commuting workforce (our nurses, policemen, waiters, etc.) will only grow, pushing them farther away from their homes.

Collier County holding affordable housing meeting

Relief might be coming to residents in Florida, as Collier County looks to help their community with affordable housing. It’s been a big problem for over 10 years. And there’s a few things you need to know that CHS will be discussing Thursday. This new plan was delivered by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.

3 workforce/affordable housing projects break ground in East Naples area

Three housing projects breaking ground Thursday in the East Naples area are designed for local residents on a tight household budget. The Harmony on Santa Barbara will be a workforce housing development, while Allegro and Cadenza at Hacienda Lakes will be affordable senior housing on Rattlesnake Hammock Road east of Collier Boulevard.

Grant to Legal Aid Assists Local Residents in Need

Legal Aid Service of Collier County (‘LASCC’) is pleased to announce the impact of a $96,851 grant it received from the Community Foundation of Collier County’s Disaster Assistance Fund. The grant proceeds were used to support the capacity of LASCC’s Housing, Consumer Law, Veterans, Grey Light Elder Law, and Disaster Relief Unit (‘DAF Project’) to provide vital free legal services needed to meet the civil legal needs of Collier County residents impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Collier County expanding rent and utility assistance program

Collier County has allocated more than $7 million of the American Rescue Plan Act to help with housing affordability. This money is going to help residents with rent, mortgage, and utilities. To qualify for assistance, you’ll need proof of Collier County residency, proof that COVID-19 caused financial strain, and proof that your income is between 81% and 140% area median income AMI. Each applicant can relieve up to $25,000, and that money will be paid directly to your landlord, mortgage company, or utility company.

Legal Aid Service of Collier County puts disaster assistance grant to work

Legal Aid Service of Collier County is using a $96,851 grant from the Community Foundation of Collier County’s Disaster Assistance Fund to support its housing, consumer law, veterans, elder law, and disaster relief efforts.

Collier County seniors feeling the effects of the affordable housing crisis

The astronomically high rent prices are forcing seniors are out of their homes. Collier County had the highest rent price increase in the country, and now it’s taking a toll on some of our most vulnerable neighbors. They see themselves as the forgotten population in the affordable housing crisis. Seniors say they have aged out of the workforce and now can’t afford to live in Collier County.

County Commissioners Take on Fight for Affordable Housing

Commissioners were confronted with sobering statistics and stories on Collier County’s Housing Crisis. And it wasn’t just the public comments from concerned citizens trying to find housing. NCH, Naples Area Board of Realtors, Collier Public Schools, the Salvation Army, the League of Women Voters and more took turns speaking to the problems the county is, and will be, facing if the housing problem isn’t addressed.

Naples city council votes to limit housing density downtown

The Naples City Council tackled two of the biggest issues impacting residents at Wednesday’s meeting. The city council debated changing the rules that limit how many residential units developers can put in one space. Part of the debate centered around allowing developers to exceed that limit if the units qualify for affordable housing.

Collier commissioners pass affordable housing measures

NAPLES, Fla. — Collier County is working to provide more help to working class people who say they just can’t afford to live there any more. At Tuesday’s meeting, the Collier County commissioners voted to provide more money for the local housing trust fund. The exact amount is still being determined.

Collier commissioners to fight pricey housing issues by encouraging more options

Collier County commissioners have taken crucial steps toward dealing with a worsening affordable housing crisis. At a board meeting Tuesday, they went beyond the actions recommended by county staff, recognizing and stressing the urgency of the situation. “We’re here to take action,” said Commissioner Rick LoCastro. Other commissioners agreed.

Residents in Collier County call on commissioners to fix the affordable housing crisis

People of all backgrounds voiced their concerns on Tuesday about the out-of-control rents in Collier County. Commissioners are looking for a way to make Collier County a place where people can afford to live and work. Nurses in their scrubs, young professionals in their work clothes, human resource managers from Collier County schools, local companies, and even the salvation army all joined together to deliver a single message; fix the affordable housing crisis.

Naples affordable housing

The Collier County commissioners are addressing concerns over a lack of affordable housing.

Residents in Collier County call on commissioners to fix the affordable housing crisis

Collier County set to discuss ways to help with the rising cost of housing

Affordable housing is hard to find in Southwest Florida, but one county is trying to solve that. Collier County commissioners are meeting on Tuesday with the hope of making it easier for people to live in the county. If you are in the market for a home, get ready to pay big money. Renting an apartment is also expensive if you can find one. Rates are up 38% in the last year.

Affordable housing: Collier County commissioners to consider solutions – Naples Daily News

Collier County commissioners could soon take important steps toward funding and encouraging the development of more affordable housing.

Naples rent grew more than any other city in 2021

A Southwest Florida city lands at the top of a list, but it is not a good one to be on. Naples had the highest percentage of rent growth in the nation last year. The average rent in Naples is $1,986, up 38% from 2020. The skyrocketing rent is forcing some people to move, or worse, become homeless.

Another child care center closes in Collier County; teacher shortage main culprit

The beleaguered child-care industry that’s been crippled by a teacher shortage, financial hardships and shutdowns due to COVID-19 has an ally in Collier County’s leading business voice. The Greater Naples Chamber has identified early childhood education as a priority for its public policy advocacy this year at both the local and state level.

Collier County woman sends letter to Gov. DeSantis calling for his help with soaring rent

A woman in Collier County is sending letters to Governor Ron DeSantis with her concerns over the rising rent costs. Annemarie Miller said her sons, who have good jobs, are still struggling to make ends meet. She said they are using more than 50% of their checks for rent.

Lack of Affordable Housing Hurts Economy as Well as People

FORT MYERS, Fla. – Imagine calling 9-1-1 but help doesn’t come promptly because few first responders are able to afford to live and work in the area. That scenario is closer than you think. Or imagine going to your favorite restaurant, only to find it closed because the management can’t hire enough workers living locally to staff it for evening. That scenario is already happening.

Bill introduced to Florida senate would allow local municipalities to provide rental assistance

Rent is skyrocketing, especially here in Southwest Florida. Some people see their rent hiked hundreds of dollars a month when it’s time to renew. Finding a good place to live at a reasonable price is becoming increasingly difficult. Senate Bill 580 aims to alleviate some of the pressure on renters. The bill’s sponsor, Florida Senator Victor Torres, said this would allow local municipalities the power to provide more rental assistance.

World’s largest landlord invests in SW Florida’s affordable housing

In the Know: SWFL affordable housing getting gobbled up by investors, … the northwest corner of Immokalee Road and Collier Boulevard in Naples.

Guest opinion: Affordable housing is a crisis in Collier County

Question: Why would anyone voluntarily commute up to three hours a day? Answer: they won’t. They’ll take their training and experience and accept a job offer near home, in Lee or Hendry County, even if it pays less.

St. Matthew’s homeless shelter gets approval for expansion

A local homeless shelter is reporting a record amount of people who are in need of assistance in Southwest Florida. Now, that shelter can finally offer more help. On Tuesday, the Collier County commissioners voted to allow St. Matthew’s House in Naples to add 46 beds to its homeless shelter. St. Matthew’s has been serving the homeless of Collier County since 1987. But as Naples’ population has boomed and affordable housing options have dwindled, more and more people are in need of help.

Guest opinion: Affordable housing is a crisis in Collier County

Question: Why would anyone voluntarily commute up to three hours a day? Answer: They won’t. They’ll take their training and experience and accept a job offer near home, in Lee or Hendry County, even if it pays less. That commute is exactly what we’re asking of our teachers, nurses and healthcare workers, our deputies and firemen, our restaurant workers and our shopkeepers, and many others who can no longer afford to live in Collier County.

Women promote Tenant’s Union as the battle for affordable housing continues in Collier County

This week, WINK News brought you Story, and concern From the person who says to find Affordable housing Almost impossible in Collier County. Now we are introducing you to a woman who says she is ready to lead the price to make more homes affordable. She wants to set up a tenant’s union to promote renter rights and create renter-friendly policies. Landlords are expected to be held accountable as home prices continue to rise.

Woman pushes for tenants union as fight for affordable housing in Collier County continues

This week, WINK News has brought you stories, and concerns from those who say finding affordable housing in Collier County is nearly impossible. Now, we’re introducing you to a woman who says she’s ready to lead the charge to make more housing affordable. She wants to start a tenants union to push for renters’ rights and create renter-friendly policies. The hope is that landlords will be held accountable as housing prices continue to rise.

Calls for more affordable housing in Collier County

Finding affordable housing in Collier County is becoming more difficult; according to QuoteWizard.com, rent there increased 49% in 2021 and prices keep going up. Collier County leaders are meeting at 8:30 a.m. Monday in an advisory meeting that will discuss what can be done to create cheaper housing before making recommendations to the county’s board of commissioners. But people living in Collier County say they have already had to cope with the rising costs.

Seeking more affordable housing in Collier County

Finding affordable homes in Collier County is becoming increasingly difficult. According to QuoteWizard.com, rents there increased 49% in 2021 and prices continue to rise. Collier County leaders will meet on Monday at 8:30 am to discuss what can be done to build cheaper homes before making recommendations to the County Commission. But people living in Collier County say they had to deal with the rising costs already.

Collier County is facing an affordable housing crisis as prices climb

Rent is up and vacancies are down in Collier County, resulting in an affordable housing crisis. The Collier Housing Committee says people are leaving the county because they can’t afford to live there. Excluding Immokalee, the median price for a one-bedroom, one-bath apartment is $1,660. For a two-bedroom, two-bath apartment, it jumps to $1,995.

Collier County to host in-person rental assistance support event in Immokalee

Collier is hosting in-person support in Immokalee for residents who wish to apply for the county’s Emergency Rental Assistance program, an aid program meant to help those financially affected by COVID-19. Residents who believe they qualify for assistance can visit the Immokalee Library on 1st Street on Dec. 16 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and Dec. 18 between 9 a.m. and noon.

Groundbreaking for affordable housing project in Immokalee brings hope to community members

Community members in Immokalee are expressing their excitement for a project they say will change the community for the better. The Immokalee Fair Housing Alliance broke ground Wednesday on a low-income apartment complex at the northwest corner of Lake Trafford Road and 19th Street.

Affordable housing coming for farmworkers in Immokalee

More than 100 affordable apartments will be built for low-income families in Immokalee. The Immokalee Fair Housing Alliance broke ground for the project on Wednesday. It includes 128 unit safe, sanitary affordable apartments. They are being built on the corner of Lake Trafford Road and North 19th Street.

Collier County rental assistance is available

If your rent payment is delayed due to a pandemic, there is help.

Collier County rental assistance available

There is help for you if you are behind on paying rent because of the pandemic.

Collier County commissioners unanimously approve apartment complex with affordable units

Collier County commissioners have taken a small step toward solving a big problem. On Tuesday, the board unanimously approved a new luxury apartment complex in North Naples that will include 70 units for essential workers with lower incomes, such as teachers, firefighters and nurses.

Letters to the editor for Tuesday, September 28, 2021 – Affordable housing needed

Regarding today’s Board of County Commissioners meeting: Those who say that this property is incompatible with Collier County are being shortsighted: Not only does it meet all requirements, we also need more quality affordable housing, not less.

New apartment complex with affordable housing coming to Collier County

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. – The Collier County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved Tuesday a new apartment complex to be built in the county. The new 234-unit complex called Blue Coral Apartments will be built near Immokalee Road and Livingston Road. Seventy of those units will have lower rents for workers in fields like child care, nursing, and teaching.

More affordable housing could be coming to Collier County

There’s a push to create affordable housing in an area of Southwest Florida that is known to be pricey. Hundreds of new apartments could be coming to Collier County very soon. Some of those units will be set aside for teachers and first responders. But, the question from many is if these units will actually be affordable for the county’s public servants.

From rental assistance to EMS bonuses, Collier sets plan for $74 million from American Rescue Plan

Collier has released a report detailing plans for spending more than $74 million that the county received through the American Rescue Plan Act. The county’s spending plan includes about $28 million for public health efforts, $21.5 million to combat negative economic impacts of the pandemic, $9.8 million for services to disproportionally impacted communities, $9.2 million for water and infrastructure upgrades and $5.9 million for administrative costs.

Gulf Coast senior housing projects demonstrating renewed energy as pandemic wanes

The COVID-19 pandemic stalled new senior housing projects nationwide and throughout Florida, but with vaccination rates on the rise and the health crisis abating statewide, developers are now working on new offerings around the Gulf Coast.

Approved development near Golden Gate Estates worries neighbors and protection activists

New developments in southwest Florida have been approved, but many neighbors in the local community are dissatisfied with this, and environmental groups are worried about wildlife near the planned community.

Collier Planning Commission recommends in favor of a new town in rural Collier County

A new town proposed in the rural stretches of Collier County has taken a baby step forward with a County Commission vote coming later in May.

Naples considering acquisition of Gordon River Apartments in the River Park neighborhood

The city of Naples is exploring an acquisition of the Gordon River Apartments in the River Park East neighborhood. The Naples City Council, acting as the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency, is expected to receive appraisals of the property at a public meeting Tuesday at Naples City Hall.

View more Collier County media stories.