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Advisory board will ask FPRA to add demolition line item and press enforcement on long‑vacant properties
Summary
Following a lengthy discussion about derelict residential and commercial properties, the advisory committee voted to forward a recommendation to FPRA to amend its budget to include a demolition line item and to empower stronger enforcement (liens/foreclosure/demolition) for long‑vacant structures.
The committee spent extensive time on a derelict‑property pilot and enforcement options before voting to send a demolition‑focused recommendation to the FPRA board.
Staff described a pilot on Hutchinson Island in which combined action from code enforcement, the building department and St. Lucie County Fire led an owner to demolish a longstanding derelict structure. Committee members said the pilot showed the process can work and proposed compiling a short list of the most egregious long‑vacant properties — with a photographic history — to build political will with FPRA and the city commission.
One committee member argued the core problem is lack of political will among commissioners to enforce codes; another suggested the advisory committee recommend that FPRA allocate money to a demolition line item and pursue liens and foreclosure if owners do not act. "If we keep going at them... enforcement, they can only do so much," a committee member said; another added, "If they take it down, I'll pay $25," describing willingness from some local stakeholders to support action.
The committee then moved, seconded and approved a recommendation to present to the FPRA board that would cover commercial and residential properties, request a demolition line item be added to the FPRA budget, and seek authority for liens/foreclosure to recover demolition costs. Staff will draft the recommendation and supporting materials (photographs and property histories) for the FPRA packet.
