In a recent Planning Board meeting, the annexation proposal for a parcel of land owned by 169 Delray LLC was discussed, marking a significant step towards urban development in Fort Pierce. The application, presented by Rebecca Grohall of MBV Engineering, seeks to annex a 1.95-acre property located at the intersection of West Midway Road and Oleander Avenue.

Currently designated as public facilities under St. Lucie County's future land use plan, the property is proposed to be reclassified to residential high, allowing for 12 to 18 dwelling units per acre. This change aligns with the city’s zoning classification of high-density residential (R5), which aims to address the growing housing demand in the area.

The Planning Board highlighted the importance of eliminating enclaves—areas of unincorporated land surrounded by city boundaries. The annexation is seen as a move to streamline planning and service delivery, as mandated by Florida state policy. The current value of the property is estimated at $284,000.

During the meeting, board members raised questions regarding access to the site. Grohall clarified that ingress and egress would be facilitated from Midway Road, with plans to connect the parcel to adjacent properties owned by the applicant. Concerns were also voiced about the potential impact on local infrastructure, including stormwater management and school capacity, as increased density could affect these systems.

Public input was solicited, with local resident Lisa Nelson expressing concerns about the potential for multifamily housing and the implications for community resources. She emphasized the need for clarity on whether the development would involve government subsidies and how it might affect stormwater management in the area.

The Planning Board ultimately recommended that the city commission approve the annexation application, with options for conditional approval or disapproval also on the table. The decision reflects ongoing efforts to balance urban development with community needs and infrastructure considerations in Fort Pierce.