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FPRA postpones grant decision for Powell property after unpermitted work; board demands organization appear
Summary
The FPRA moved action on a facade grant for the Sheriff Powell–affiliated property at 2203 Orange Avenue to its next meeting after commissioners raised safety and communication concerns about work done without permits; the board required the organization's representative(s) to appear.
The Fort Pierce Redevelopment Agency postponed action June 9 on a commercial facade amendment for the Sheriff Powell‑affiliated property at 2203 Orange Avenue after commissioners said portions of the project were constructed without permits and after staff reported limited communication from the organization.
"I have a problem here," Commissioner Gaines said during an extended exchange, pressing staff on whether the tenant had complied with material lease terms and asking what remedies exist if agreements were breached. "I'm not giving you any money," he said, stressing that future payments or reimbursements would be withheld until the city is satisfied with compliance and communication.
Staff told the board that the city issued a default notice late last year over building‑permit issues and that most items have been addressed except for a final inspection for a tiki structure. City staff and the building department said after‑the‑fact permits require submission of engineering and structural drawings and that the permitting process would determine whether reinforcements or corrections are necessary.
Kenneth Wilson, who appeared on behalf of Paul Pearson, the organization's board chair, acknowledged poor communication and said the board is taking steps to fix it. "It was poor communication," Wilson said, and emphasized the group's intention to correct the record and pursue safe operations for children served at the Powell Center.
After debate about accountability and public safety, Commissioner Gaines moved — and Commissioner Johnson seconded — to defer Resolution 26‑17 to the next FPRA meeting and require a knowledgeable representative of the organization's board to attend and explain how the unpermitted work occurred and how the group will comply going forward. The motion carried by roll call; the board asked staff to collect communications and notices related to the project and to discuss remedies if the constructed work does not match the approved agreement.
The board's action does not approve the extension or additional payments; instead, it postpones final determination pending the organization's appearance and building‑permit documentation.
