High Point residents press Fort Pierce commission to investigate developer after clearing, flooding and security complaints

Dozens of High Point residents told the Fort Pierce City Commission on March 9 that recent clearing on adjacent development land has led to flooding, loss of privacy and safety concerns — and they demanded a swift investigation.

"The barrier that once separated High Point from the now developing land has been removed," said Karen Manista, president of her neighborhood board, describing pooled water around condo air-conditioning units and people now entering the property. "Our property, our values are going down, and we need police to patrol our area once in a while."

Marilyn Lapp and other residents said a retention lake has overflowed beyond its historical banks since trees and the buffer were removed, and that the cleared ground has allowed dirt bikes and other traffic onto formerly protected land. Barbara Borab said a strong chemical smell has occurred several nights since the trees were cut, causing eye and throat irritation.

Commissioners responded by directing city staff to investigate immediately and to return with a cross-departmental report. Commissioner (speaker 16) recalled requirements that were imposed during planning-board review — berms, walls and on-site storage of runoff — and asked whether those conditions were implemented. City staff agreed to have planning, engineering, building and code enforcement inspect the site this week and to prepare a report for the commission and individual briefings next Wednesday.

Mayor Linda Hudson and other commissioners also asked staff to summon the developer to appear at the commission’s next meeting if violations are found. "If they're in violation of work times, if they're in violation of clear cutting ... they need to be cited," one commissioner said.

What happens next: staff will inspect drainage and permit compliance, coordinate with the police on security complaints, and report back. The commission asked that any findings be shared with all five commissioners and requested the developer appear before the commission for a public explanation if problems persist.

Context: Residents repeatedly said work began without permits and that promises made during planning-board hearings about runoff control and berms have not been fulfilled. Commissioners flagged possible ordinance gaps — including tree-protection requirements, base-elevation controls and enforcement of permitted hours — and suggested those be evaluated as part of the follow-up.

A copy of the city’s formal direction to staff and any subsequent citations will be included in the commission’s administrative report when returned.