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Commission approves Gordy Creek planned development, preserves wetland and adds public trail
Summary
The City Commission voted to approve the Gordy Creek planned development first reading, a roughly 76‑acre project with 316 units, more than 50% open space, a preserved wetland and a public trail; approval carries 16 conditions including FDOT and state permit requirements.
The Fort Pierce City Commission on Dec. 1 approved first reading of an ordinance rezoning roughly 75.98 acres at the southwest corner near Okeechobee Road and the Florida Turnpike to a plan development (Gordy Creek PD), clearing the way for a proposed 316‑unit residential project.
Planning Director Kevin Freeman summarized staff analysis and recommended approval subject to 16 conditions, many prompted by Florida Department of Transportation comments. The proposal calls for 178 single‑family homes and 138 townhomes on two development phases, with a consolidated 1.36‑acre viewing lake, more than 50% open space and a public trail providing access to preserved wetlands along 10 Mile Creek.
Under conditions attached to approval, the developer must complete required state and federal permits (including environmental and gopher tortoise surveys), submit detailed stormwater plans, provide a final plat prior to certificate of occupancy, and construct roadway improvements tied to FDOT requirements. Staff noted the plan exceeds minimum open‑space requirements and incorporates a preserve‑area management plan with monitoring and public access elements.
Applicant counsel Bob Raines and project team member George Messimer highlighted buffer design, tree preservation, landscaping and a public viewing trail. Traffic and concurrency reviews were completed with input from St. Lucie County and FDOT; staff said conditions address construction‑phase and right‑of‑way improvements.
Commission action: The commission voted (roll call) to approve the first‑reading ordinance and PD development agreement with the 16 stated conditions. Next steps will include required state and federal permitting, final platting, and development‑permit reviews before building permits and certificates of occupancy.
Why it matters: The project represents a large residential addition at the city’s western boundary and includes a significant preserved wetland and public‑access trail; the conditions aim to protect hydrology and public safety while requiring infrastructure improvements.
