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Residents press Fort Pierce on flooding and wildlife after Savannah Preserve clearing; developer and staff defend permits
Summary
Neighbors at the commission meeting urged action after clearing and grading at the Savannah Preserve development coincided with new standing water, noise and animal problems; city staff and the developer said permits and SFWMD approvals are in place but acknowledged outstanding punch-list items and promised follow-up inspections.
The City of Fort Pierce heard urgent complaints from High Point and Gator Trace residents on March 16 after recent clearing and grading at the Savannah Preserve development allegedly worsened flooding, brought hogs onto neighboring properties and raised concerns about the removal of trees and gopher tortoises.
Residents including Phyllis Hankerson and Julie Moore told the commission that a retaining wall and other buffers were removed and that new and expanded standing water has saturated yards that previously drained normally. ‘‘The berm is doing nothing,’’ one resident said, asking the city to require corrective work. Another speaker said contractors had started work before permitted hours and that pictures and complaints had not produced sustained enforcement.
Deputy City Manager Camille Wallace and Planning Director Kevin Freeman reviewed the project history: the subdivision was reviewed and approved by the Planning Board and the City…
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