Local planning agency backs rezoning for proposed hotel at 255 SW 6th St.; neighbors press for meetings on design

The City of Stuart Local Planning Agency recommended approval of a rezoning that would change a 0.33-acre parcel at 255 Southwest 6th Street from Urban Waterfront to Urban Highway, clearing the way for a proposed Fairfield Inn-style hotel. The board voted unanimously to approve the rezoning after public comment and discussion about design, stormwater and neighbor outreach.

The development director for the city, Jody Kugler, presented the staff report saying the petition "conforms to the criteria outlined in section 11.01.09 of the Stuart Land Development Code, Florida Statutes, and is consistent with the goals, objectives, and the policies of the City of Stuart comprehensive plan." Kugler told the board the property sits in the downtown redevelopment future land use district and that staff recommended forwarding approval to the City Commission.

Jared Gaylord, who represented developer Polk Street Hotels Inc., described the site as a merging of three lots, noting a zoning discrepancy that…