Agenda 04/28/2026 Item #16A11 (Moved to Item #11C Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) to solicit a qualified development partner for the construction of housing that is affordable on County-owned property at Port of the Islands)4/28/2026
Item # 16.A.11
ID# 2026-827
Executive Summary
Recommendation to authorize staff to issue an Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) to solicit a qualified development partner for
the construction of housing that is affordable on County-owned property at Port of the Islands.
OBJECTIVE: To have the Board of County Commissioners (Board) authorize staff to negotiate to solicit a qualified
development partner for the construction of housing that is affordable on County-owned property at Port of the Islands,
and advance the development of housing that is affordable in Collier County in alignment with the Housing Element of
the Growth Management Plan.
CONSIDERATIONS: On January 9, 2020, the Board of County Commissioners acquired the Port of the Islands “Old
Hotel” property (12323 Union Road; Folio No. 01058920500) via Escheatment Tax Deed at a cost of $1,239.80. The
County subsequently invested $388,444 to demolish the existing structure. The 6.86-acre site is now cleared and
development-ready.
The County Manager has received a Letter of Intent from an affordable housing developer proposing to lease and
develop the site as a 100% affordable housing community.
The property is zoned Residential Tourist (RT), which permits a range of uses, including multifamily residential and
townhouses. Under current zoning, the site supports a maximum density of 16 units per acre, yielding approximately 110
residential units.
Given the strategic importance of this asset, a competitive ITN process is recommended to ensure the selection of a
development partner that best advances County priorities and maximizes public benefit.
• Staff proposes that the ITN evaluation criteria prioritize:
• Total number of affordable units delivered
• Depth of affordability, including units below 60% Area Median Income (AMI)
• Targeted populations, including essential service personnel, veterans, and seniors
• Duration and enforceability of affordability restrictions
• Leveraging external funding sources (e.g., LIHTC, SAIL, bonds, private equity)
• Demonstrated financial feasibility
• Hurricane resilience and environmental sustainability
• Strong developer experience and a proven delivery track record
• Project timeline and readiness to proceed
The ITN will be structured to encourage ground leases or similar arrangements that retain County ownership of the land
while enabling private development, thereby further protecting the long-term public interest. Next steps after the award
would be the Board's approval of a Developer Agreement and a Long-term Ground Lease with the selected developer.
This item is consistent with the Collier County strategic plan objective to support comprehensive affordable housing
opportunities.
FISCAL IMPACT: There is no immediate fiscal impact associated with issuing the ITN. Future fiscal considerations
will be subject to Board approval and are anticipated to prioritize minimal or no direct County general fund subsidy, with
preference given to proposals that are financially self-sustaining and leverage external funding sources.
GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: Utilizing County-owned land for housing that is affordable directly advances
the Goals, Objectives, and Policies of the Housing Element of the Collier County Growth Management Plan.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: This item has been reviewed and approved for form and legality. A majority vote is
4/28/2026
Item # 16.A.11
ID# 2026-827
required for Board approval. -CLD
RECOMMENDATION(S): To authorize staff to issue an Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) for the development of housing
that is affordable on the County-owned Port of the Islands property.
PREPARED BY: Cormac Giblin Division Director, Housing Policy & Economic Development
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Folio ID 01058950800_12323 Union Rd -Aerial Location
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ID: 01058920500
COLLIER CNTY
12323 UNION RD
Build# / Unit#: 007 / 0
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