OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE FORT PIERCE CITY PLANNING BOARD HELD ON MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2025, IN FORT PIERCE CITY HALL, COMMISSION CHAMBERS, 100 NORTH US HIGHWAY 1, FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA.
- Present:
- Justine Carter; Clayton Johnson; Alexander Edwards; Christopher Widing; Nichelle Clemons; Anton Kreisl, Chairman
- Staff Present:
-
- Kev Freeman, Planning Director
- Kerry Driver, Senior Planner
- Alicia Rosenthal, Planning and Development Organizer
All members were in attendance.
Motion was made by Nichelle Clemons, and seconded by Alexander Edwards to approve the minutes from the February 10, 2025 meeting.
- AYE:
- Alexander Edwards, Christopher Widing, Nichelle Clemons, Justine Carter, Clayton Johnson, Chairman Anton Kreisl
Passed
Parcel ID(s): 2326-130-0000-000-7, 2326-130-0000-010-0
Mr. Freeman gave an overview of the application and answered questions from the Board. He stated the Gordy Greek Final Planned Development (PD), is a PD rezoning application and a Final PD site plan for a proposed residential development of a total of 317 residential units (179 single-family homes and 138 townhome units). The property is located on Gordy Road, south of Okeechobee Road. The site is approximately 76.97 acres and is currently zoned agricultural and the Future Land Use is Mixed Use. The application sets out to provide integration of the proposed development with the natural environment. 10-mile creek is on the west side of the site, within a large, preserved wetland. A 1.36-acre lake situated in the northwest area of this site is surrounded by a trail open to both the public and residents of the development and provides a unique opportunity for outdoor enjoyment and environmental education. Mr. Freeman reviewed the site plan, phasing and architectural drawings with the Board.
Staff recommend the Planning Board move the proposed rezoning of the Gordy Creek Final PD and the site plan to the City Commission with a recommendation of approval subject to the Gordy Creek Residential Planned Development Agreement, including the special conditions of development and the timetable of development.
George Missimer, from Cotleur and Hearing, stated the property was annexed into the City of Fort Pierce in 2006 with agricultural zoning and the proposed zoning is PD with up to 6 dwelling units per acre. He said the site has a 17-acre wetland preserve. Mr. Missimer said a fence around the perimeter, an extensive landscape buffer and a perimeter sidewalk on the frontage of the property are proposed. He highlighted the boardwalk around the 1.63-acre lake is open to the public and will have a small parking area. Mr. Missimer said there will be 170 units built in Phase 1 and 140 units in Phase 2.
Board discussion ensued regarding the location of the school bus stop, the bus stop location being covered, and how the school bus would turn around.
Lara Swanson, applicant representative from Swanson Land Company, explained that Gordy Road terminates to the south and the school bus stop is on the outside of the development. She said they will need to coordinate the bus stop details with the St. Lucie County School Board. Ms. Swanson noted the St. Lucie County cross-section will be improved as well as the access concerns on Okeechobee Road. She said they have addressed the DOT concerns, and they have Access Management Control conditional approval.
Wesley Mills, Civil Engineer, from Mills Short Associates, stated they have designed an entrance with a larger vehicle turn around before the gate with provisions for the school bus turn around.
Motion was made by Nichelle Clemons, and seconded by Alexander Edwards to forward a recommendation of approval to the City Commission subject to the Gordy Creek Residential Planned Development Agreement, including the 12 special conditions of development, shown below and the timetable of development.
1. The phasing of the project shall adhere to City Code Sections 125- 212(b)(6) and 125-212(c)(1)(c): Phasing. Each phase of development must be so planned and so related to previous development, surrounding properties, and the available public facilities and services, that failure to proceed with subsequent phases will not adversely impact drainage, utilities, parking or the traffic flow of the completed phases.
2. The minimum Open Space shall be 50.62% of the Final PD site area.
3. The maximum density shall be 6 dwelling units per acre of the Final PD site area.
4. Prior to Building Permit, a Gopher Tortoise Survey shall be carried out on site.
5. Prior to Building Permit, and if required by the USFWS (US Fish and Wildlife Service), a Wood Stork foraging Habitat Assessment shall be carried out on site.
6. A detailed stormwater and drainage plan and statement shall be submitted at the time of Building Permit. The reports will be reviewed for compliance with City Code Chapter 119. Stormwater Management and Site Development Technical Regulations.
7. The Final PD site plan shall be in unified control and property ownership. All land intended to be included in the planned development shall be under the legal control of the applicant.
8. The Final PD site plan shall include all agreements, provisions and covenants which govern the use, maintenance, and continued protection of the planned development and any of its common open space or other shared areas. This material shall include material which binds successors in title to any commitments concerning completion of the project and its maintenance and operation.
9. A Unity of Title with the St. Lucie County Clerk of Courts and a Parcel Combination with the St. Lucie County Property Appraiser shall be completed prior to the issuance of any Building Permit.
10. At the time of Development Permit Review Compliance (DPCR) a full review of the appropriate tree survey and tree mitigation calculations will be performed.
11. Gordy Road is a St. Lucie County owned and maintained facility, the applicant/developer shall coordinate with St. Lucie County pertaining to required roadway improvements.
12. Readdress and look at the school bus turn around.
- AYE:
- Christopher Widing, Nichelle Clemons, Justine Carter, Clayton Johnson, Alexander Edwards, Chairman Anton Kreisl
Passed
2407-124-0001-000-3
Mr. Freeman gave an overview of the application and answered questions from the Board. Mr. Freeman stated the Millcreek Final Planned Development is an application amending the Millcreek Planned Development (PD) zoning in respect of one parcel of approximately 62.51 acres of land, generally located north of Orange Avenue and west of 41st Street, to include the Millcreek PD Phase 1 Final Site Plan. The site is approximately 62.51 acres and was annexed into the City of Fort Pierce through an FPUA utility agreement along with properties to the north and west, which retained a light industrial St. Lucie County zoning. Mr. Freeman said the development includes a total of 439 dwelling units, distributed in 309 townhomes and 130 detached single-family homes. The main access to the property is located on Orange Avenue to the south. The primary connection to the major road network is from Orange Avenue between Jenkins Road and Hartman Road at the existing intersection of Orange Avenue and Bent Creek Drive. The project proposes a clubhouse with amenities (to be constructed in phase 2), a dog park and a pocket park. Mr. Freeman said the annexed properties to the north and west would need a Future Land Use change when redeveloped and the property could be rezoned as well. Mr. Freeman reviewed the roadway improvements, phasing plan and architectural drawings. Mr. Freeman said staff recommended approval subject to the Millcreek Residential Planned Development and Traffic Contribution Agreement, including the special conditions of development and the timetable of development.
Tod Mowery, applicant representative, Redtail Design Group, stated it has been two (2) years since the preliminary Master PD. He stated the site used to be citrus groves before being annexed into the city. Mr. Mowery said the main access to the property will be on Orange Avenue, and they are working with the DOT for a traffic deceleration lane. He stated the community is gated and there will be emergency access on 43rd Street. Mr. Mowery noted the adjoining 5-acre St. Lucie County parcel which they tried to purchase would be given access to the roadway since the access to their property would be taken away. Mr. Mowery said there will be 150 single-family homes and 309 townhomes with a clubhouse, playground, event lawn, dog park, pool and three (3) pocket parks. He said there will be an extensive landscape buffer along with a fence around the property. Mr. Mowery was excited to announce the national home builder, Dreamfinders, for the Millcreek PD.
Dr. Juan Ortega, Engineer from JFO Group, said an analysis was done to get FDOT conceptual approval for using the Orange Avenue intersection as the main access. He said more detailed traffic analysis will be needed by FDOT at a later date.
Mr. Mowery answered questions from the Board about the left turn lane, elevation changes, school bus stop location, emergency access road completion, and if Orange Avenue access is sufficient for the development.
Motion was made by Nichelle Clemons, and seconded by Justine Carter to forward a recommendation of approval of the Millcreek PD Final Site Plan to the City Commission subject to the Millcreek Residential planned development and traffic contribution agreement, including the special conditions of development and the timetable of development.
The special conditions include (not limited to):
1. The phasing of the project shall adhere to City Code Sections 125- 212(b)(6) and 125-212(c)(1)(c): Phasing. Each phase of development must be so planned and so related to previous development, surrounding properties, and the available public facilities and services, that failure to proceed with subsequent phases will not adversely impact drainage, utilities, parking or the traffic flow of the completed phases.
2. The Final PD plan shall conform to the requirements of the City Code of Ordinances and be subject to the general standards for approval of Planned Development Zoning at section 125-212 – Planned Development Zone (PD).
3. A Unity of Title with the St. Lucie County Clerk of Courts and a Parcel Combination with the St. Lucie County Property Appraiser shall be completed prior to the issuance of any Building Permit.
4. Reach out to the St. Lucie County School District for final determination of school bus stop location.
5. Emergency access details are to be spelled out in the development agreement.
- AYE:
- Nichelle Clemons, Justine Carter, Clayton Johnson, Alexander Edwards, Christopher Widing, Chairman Anton Kreisl
Passed
Ms. Driver gave an overview of the application. She said the applicant is requesting site plan review and approval for the development of ninety-four (94) fee simple townhome units which will be divided into 15 six-and-seven-unit buildings on an approximately 9-acre parcel. The future land use of the parcel is Medium Density Residential, RM, and the zoning is Medium Density Residential, R-4. Ms. Driver showed the site plan, landscape plan, lighting plan, elevations, rendering and color board. She said staff recommend approval with six conditions.
Ms. Driver answered questions from the Board about sidewalk improvements and originally being submitted as an innovative residential development.
George Missimer, applicant representative, Coutleur and Hearing, showed a presentation and explained the site allowed 12 dwelling units per acre, but they went with 10 dwelling units per acre to allow for additional parking. He showed the surrounding uses and site plan and said the access would be on Weatherbee Road. Mr. Missimer said there would be four (4) seven (7) unit buildings and 11 six (6) unit buildings with a one-car garage. He said all the units are three (3) bedrooms and 1,800 square feet with lots of color options. Mr. Missimer stated there would be a sidewalk on the north, east and south sides with substantial landscape buffers and an internal 50-foot-wide roadway within the development. He said they are using larger palm tree species because they don't cause long-term issues with tree roots, causing a tripping hazard on sidewalks. Mr. Missimer highlighted that there is substantially more parking than what is required. He said the community is not gated, and a school bus can circulate completely around the community without any barriers.
Mr. Missimer answered questions from the Board about the location of the overflow parking, number of cars that can fit in a driveway, on-street parking, dumpster location, and why a dog park and playgrounds were not included in the site plan.
Motion was made by Christopher Widing, and seconded by Nichelle Clemons to forward a recommendation of approval to the City Commison for the site plan with the following six (6) conditions:
1. Prior to issuance of final certificate of occupancy, a Landscape Maintenance Agreement shall be approved and shall acknowledge the following:
a. All approved landscaping shall be installed, irrigated, and maintained in perpetuity in accordance with section 123-7 of the City Code of Ordinances, in order that it continues to present a healthy, neat, and orderly appearance free of refuse and debris, in conformity with the following requirements:
i. Vegetation required by this article shall be replaced with equivalent or better vegetation if it is not living. All trees for which credit is awarded, and which subsequently die shall be replaced by the same or greater number of living trees according to the standards established in this article.
ii. Maintenance shall include sufficient weeding, watering, fertilizing, pruning, mowing, edging, mulching and other horticultural practices to ensure that the landscaping continues to maintain a healthy, neat, and orderly appearance.
2. An updated Environmental Assessment shall be required
3. The project shall have a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC) Gopher Tortoise Permit in place prior to conducting any land clearing operations as the submitted Environmental Assessment indicates that gopher tortoises are present on the site
4. A 5-ft sidewalk is required along Poinsetta Ave.
5. Prior to the issuance of any site clearing permits, the applicant shall provide a Tree Mitigation Survey and coordinate with the City of Fort Pierce Arborist for the required mitigation of the City's regulated trees proposed to be removed as a result of its site development/construction activity.
6. Addresses will need to be submitted to the Planning Department for all units prior to the building permit application.
- AYE:
- Justine Carter, Clayton Johnson, Alexander Edwards, Christopher Widing, Nichelle Clemons, Chairman Anton Kreisl
Passed
Parcel ID(s): 2427-433-0002-000-1, 2426-333-0015-000-5, 2427-433-0001-000-4, 2434-121-0001-000-8
Mr. Freeman gave an overview of the application and answered questions from the Board. He stated the Final Plat is for Phase 1 of the Savannah Preserve PD. He said Phase 1 includes 203 townhome lots; 98 2-family lots; community recreation tract, and areas reserved for future development - phase 2 plat area. Mr. Freeman said the final plat will allow the developer to get precise lot layouts to make obtaining building permits easier. He said the Final Plat was reviewed by the Engineering department and the Engineering consultant. Mr. Freeman stated staff recommended approval with two conditions.
Dennis Murphy, applicant from Culpepper and Terpening, said the first phase is 2/3 townhomes and 1/2 villa units. He said the cul-de-sac was changed in the preliminary site plan to a 'T' configuration to make it fit better. He said Savannah Preserve is a non-gated community with a Community Development District (CDD) and the streets will be maintained by the CDD. He noted the two school bus pickups are by the mail kiosk and the clubhouse.
The chair noted the significant portion of wetland area that is being preserved in the site plan design.
Motion was made by Nichelle Clemons, and seconded by Justine Carter to forward a recommendation of approval to the City Commission with two (2) conditions:
- The applicant will supply two (2) Mylars for appropriate signatures prior to the plat being recorded with the St. Lucie County Clerk of Courts in accordance with Florida State Statute 177.111.
- Prior to endorsement of the Mylars by the City’s reviewing Surveyor, a bond in the amount of the agreed opinion of probable cost be submitted to the City Engineer for final approval.
- AYE:
- Clayton Johnson, Alexander Edwards, Christopher Widing, Nichelle Clemons, Justine Carter, Chairman Anton Kreisl
Passed
Parcel ID(s): 1428-702-0425-000-7, 1428-702-0382-000-3, 1428-702-0050-000-7
Mr. Freeman gave an overview of the application and answered questions from the Board. This application requests approval for a Final Plat in respect of the Mohawk Subdivision. The applicant is proposing a Final Plat on approximately 4.109 acres of land lying immediately at the northwest corner of Mohawk Avenue and Bryant Road, within the City of Fort Pierce. The properties consist of three (3) parcels and will be subdivided into 14 residential lots. Mr. Freeman said the R-1 zoned parcels are surrounded mostly by St. Lucie County single-family residences. He concluded that staff recommends approval with two conditions.
Jerardo Ayala, Builder, Mohawk/The Outdoors Quality, said they are turning three (3) lots into 14 homes, and they recently built one on the south side in just over six months. He said they will have to provide drainage plans for each individual home at the time of building permit.
Motion was made by Christopher Widing, and seconded by Nichelle Clemons to forward a recommendation of approval of the Mohawk Final Plat to the City Commission with the following conditions:
- The applicant will supply two (2) Mylars for appropriate signatures prior to the plat being recorded with the St. Lucie County Clerk of Courts in accordance with Florida State Statute 177.111.
- Prior to endorsement of the Mylars by the City's reviewing Surveyor, a fully executed St. Lucie County Road Improvement Agreement shall be provided.
- AYE:
- Alexander Edwards, Christopher Widing, Nichelle Clemons, Justine Carter, Clayton Johnson, Chairman Anton Kreisl
Passed
There were no comments from the public.
Mr. Freeman gave an update on the strategic plan and stated the goals for 2030 all affect Planning: Beautify the Community, Develop the Community, Engage the Community, Serve the Community and Enjoy the Community. He said with the goals there are objectives and challenges. Mr. Freeman asked the Board to review the strategic plan summary and bring back any specific plan or ideas to the Planning Board meeting for discussion. He mentioned several planning actions for 2025, including Affordable Housing, Port Overlay District, Comprehensive Plan Update, Kings Landing Site Plan Amendment, Downtown Development Master Plan, Economic Policies in the Comprehensive Plan, Annexations, Agricultural Zoning in the Comprehensive Plan, Code Changes to Advertising and Mailing Notices, Development Economic Impact, Promoting Natural Environment, Interlinking the City, and Looking at Crime through Community Design. Mr. Freeman mentioned some of the top priorities being code regulations, jobs corridor development, annexations, city-owned properties, beautification, street conditions, community brand and a residential design catalog.
Mr. Freeman explained that the Law Enforcement Impact Fee was presented to the City Commission at the March 10, 2025, meeting. Mr. Freeman noted the state is looking at a couple of bills regarding more leadway on affordable housing and amending the existing property tax exemptions for affordable housing.
Mr. Widing noted that over 1,000 residents will be added to the city based on the five (5) agenda items discussed at the Planning Board meeting,
Ms. Carter asked Mr. Freeman if the legislative bills are likely to pass.