To the Editor,
I am writing to urge our community to support Community Housing & Resources’ (CHR) proposed affordable workforce housing at the derelict Fish House property.
With 70% of Sanibel’s land held in conservation, limited housing stock has made affordable housing increasingly scarce. The people who sustain this island, those working in restaurants, shops, healthcare, nonprofits, and essential services, do not have viable options to live here. This is not a future problem; it is a current and worsening crisis.
The proposed 39 apartments directly reflect CHR’s existing need, largely made up of single, working individuals. Lee County has conceptually approved $9.75 million dollars of funds for this endeavor. It is a one time commitment to Sanibel but must be approved by City council at their next meeting. If not supported by Council the money will be lost. This would be a significant setback for our community.
This undertaking also presents a unique opportunity for the City of Sanibel to fulfill its charter goal of 3% of housing as affordable, something that has not been achieved in over 50 years.
CHR has worked diligently and collaboratively with all County, City agencies and commissions in securing approvals that the building reflects the values and needs of the community. The Sanibel planning commission passed our proposal at the February 24, 2026 meeting.
The meeting on this initiative will take place on March 31st, and community input is critical. CHR will need all five City Council to vote unanimously, making public support especially important.
I encourage residents to attend in person or submit written support to City Council:
Richard Johnson – richard.johnson@mysanibel.com
Holly Smith – holly.smith@mysanibel.com
Laura J. DeBruce – laura.debruce@mysanibel.com Mike Miller – mike.miller@mysanibel.com
John Henshaw – john.henshaw@mysanibel.com
Mailing Address:
800 Dunlop Rd
Sanibel, FL 33957
This endeavor is financed by CHR without any City tax dollars. The choice is clear: move forward with a viable workforce housing solution, or allow the problem to worsen while risking the loss of both funding and trust. This is an opportunity that will not return.
Sincerely,
Nicole McHale, CHR Executive Director
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