Multifamily building up in Lee

FORT MYERS -- Lee County Community Development issued 136 permits for new multi-family construction in 2011, up from 96 in the prior year, a 42% increase.

But while multi-family activity increased, single-family permit issuances fell slightly, down 3%. In 2011, 373 permits were issued for new single-family home construction, down from 384 in 2010.

Commercial permitting increased dramatically, from roughly $43 million in total project value in 2010 to $122 million in 2011. But most of the gain can be attributed to one development: the construction of a new spring training facility for Major League Baseball's Boston Red Sox.

Lee County Community Development is responsible for construction permits and development activity in unincorporated Lee County.