Planning board backs Gordy Creek rezoning, recommends City Commission approval

The Fort Pierce Planning Board voted unanimously March 10 to recommend the Gordy Creek Planned Development final site plan and rezoning to the City Commission, subject to the Gordy Creek Residential Plan Development Agreement and the staff-recommended conditions.

Kevin Freeman, Planning Director, told the board the application proposes 316 residential units — a mix of 179 single-family and 137 townhome units — on about 76.97 acres south of Okeechobee Road and west of the turnpike. "Staff recommend that planning board move the proposed rezoning of the Gordy Creek final plan development and site plan to the City Commission with a recommendation of approval, subject to the Gordy Creek Residential Plan Development Agreement," Freeman said.

The applicant described features intended as public benefits. George Missimer, agent with Kotler and Hearing, said the plan preserves more than 17 acres of wetland along 10 Mile Creek, provides a 1.36-acre lake with a public boardwalk and limited dedicated public parking, and proposes a public trail and lookout. "We are requesting to amend the zoning to PD ... consistent with the low density residential density of 6 units per acre," Missimer said.

Board members questioned access, emergency/secondary access and school-bus logistics. Laura Swanson of Swanson Land Company confirmed Gordy Road currently terminates just south of the property and that a gated, locked pedestrian entrance would separate public boardwalk access from the private residential area. The applicant said an emergency/secondary access point exists and that the gated residential access would be fitted with Knox-style emergency access for first responders.

Concerns about school bus pickup location and vehicle turnaround prompted the board to add an extra condition asking the developer to revisit bus-turnaround options and coordinate with St. Lucie County and the school district. Ms. Clemens made the motion to recommend approval "with the previously stated 11 conditions and 1 additional condition that the turnaround be readdressed or appropriately entertained and looked at." The motion was seconded by Mr. Edwards and passed on a roll call vote with all members present voting yes.

The board’s recommendation advances the rezoning to the City Commission; the commission will consider final approval and the development agreement. The City and applicant will need to address several technical and permitting items noted by staff before building permits are issued.