(Cross-posted from Florida Workforce Housing Newtwork.)

FORT MYERS, Fla. --- Lee Co. commishers will consider raising impact fees 250 percent for developers who want to increase density in new subdivisions with market-priced homes. The proceeds would help fund affordable housing efforts. Developers who want to increase density to build affordable homes wouldn't be charged the extra fees.

Ryan Lengerich posted the story at News-Press.com in Fort Myers yesterday:

If developers want to build more units than the county’s plan allows, they have two options. The developers can make the extra units affordable housing or they can pay the county a fee for each unit which is used to promote affordable housing.

Commissioners are scheduled to hold a public hearing and possibly decide whether to increase the fee from $11,429 per extra unit to $40,000.

Absent substantial additional incentives for affordable housing, the plan would effectively draw battle lines between affordable housing advocates and development opponents.

Co. commishers plan to take up the measure on Tues.