2011 PLANNING BOARD/DEPT. REPORT
2011 SBA ANNUAL MEETING
February 10, 2011
Last year, at this time, we saw the very beginnings of the Kiwi Condos on Seaway Drive. It is the only new construction of this type on the Island in many years. It is all but complete and is a fine addition as a 6 unit Key West style project.
Also, last year at this time, we thought that the Land Development Regulations (LDR) rewrite was nearing completion draft status. There have been many ups and downs with this project. Once again I can say that it is nearing completion draft status. Remember, these regulations are a massive project basically rewriting all the codes and provisions for building anything within the City. Be assured that we will continue to follow this process very carefully and will keep you informed.
After many years of talking about the project called Deeken Plaza on part of the property on the SW corner of Seaway and South Ocean Drives, it has finally come to a conclusion. The site plan was not extended and the project is cancelled. We continue to urge the two owners of the total corner property to get together and submit a plan for that prime piece of land that we can all be proud of.
Now – talking about prime land – there has been recent interest on the part of the owner of the “old trailer park” property to submit plans for development. We spoke with his representative and have proposed a process to consider, not just that particular property, but all the area that we are calling “The West Peninsula of South Hutchinson Island in Fort Pierce”. We believe that a Charrette should be conducted this Spring to have proper public input so as to achieve a harmonious development of these prime properties.
Those properties would include:
(See if you can visualize these)
- Certain areas within Harbour Isle – the out parcels currently vacant along A1A and consideration of a public water walkway.
- Smithsonian Marine Center
- Old Trailer Park Property – privately owned
- Wastewater Treatment Plant Property – parts owned by the City, County and FPUA.
- County Property – South Causeway Park
- South Causeway Beach Park – designed and maintained by the City.
- Chuck’s Restaurant
- Old Firehouse
We do not support a piecemeal change of zoning nor plans to develop individual properties on their own without public input.
The Mayor has agreed to place the proposal on the City Commission Agenda for February 22, 2011. We hope that the County will follow. We are urging that plans for the Charrette move ahead in a timely fashion so that it can be held before some of you go north for the summer.
Let me ask you a few questions – please respond with a show of hands.
Do you support the notion that the public should have input on the development of these properties?
Do you support the notion that the total package should be included and not just separate properties?
Will you commit to attend such a Charrette?
Thank you – we have your answer loud and clear.