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Sunrise Lakes PD gets first reading after applicant adds bus turnaround, sidewalk and buffers
Summary
The commission approved first reading of Sunrise Lakes PD (approx. 11.54 acres, 48 units) after the applicant revised plans to include a school‑bus turnaround, a sidewalk extension to Bell Avenue, reduced density and enhanced buffers; approval carries 13 conditions.
The City Commission granted first‑reading approval on Dec. 1 to the Sunrise Lakes planned development, a revised residential project on about 11.54 acres that now proposes 48 single‑family units, an internal school‑bus turnaround, extended sidewalk connectivity and enhanced landscape buffers.
Planning Director Kevin Freeman recounted the project's planning‑board history: originally disapproved for bus‑turning concerns and density, the applicant reduced units from 50 to 48, added a bus turnaround and sidewalk extension to address the St. Lucie County School District's concerns, and presented an upgraded landscape and amenity package. Staff recommended approval subject to 13 conditions tied to infrastructure, stormwater, a 20‑foot drainage easement and a 23% open‑space minimum.
Applicant Blaine Bergstresser described revisions including relocation of driveways to reduce neighbor impacts, a planted bioswale dry pond, tree preservation and relocation of sable palms, a covered bus stop with auto‑turn analysis and added pedestrian connections. Commissioners pressed for confirmation that the school district would sign off on the bus radius; the applicant said he would submit updated plans for county right‑of‑way permitting and school‑district approval.
Commission action: The commission voted to approve the PD at first reading with the 13 staff conditions. Staff noted that minor plan amendments may be required before second reading and issuance of certificates of occupancy.
Why it matters: The approval resolves a prior planning‑board rejection by addressing transit and buffering concerns, and will extend sewer and sidewalk infrastructure to the area.
