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Commission continues Popeyes proposal at Windermere Point after debate over hours and landscaping
Summary
The commission heard a quasi‑judicial second reading for a Popeye’s at Windermere Point, discussed traffic, pedestrian safety, and operating hours; a motion to approve with a 10:30 p.m. closing and landscaping condition failed, and the commission voted to continue the second reading to Aug. 24, 2026.
The City of Stuart held a quasi‑judicial second reading on June 22 for a major amendment to the Windermere Point commercial planned unit development that would allow a 1,995‑square‑foot Popeye’s restaurant with dual drive‑through lanes at 1961 NW Federal Highway.
Development staff summarized the proposal, noting the amendment reduces the originally approved build‑out for Phase 3B and that the site meets the city’s drainage and parking requirements after modifications. The traffic consultant estimated about 122 AM peak trips (67 entering, 55 exiting) and 229 PM peak trips (127 entering, 102 exiting); staff said the net trip generation compared with the originally approved retail use was not substantial.
The applicant’s representative described ingress/egress and a double‑stacked drive‑through in the rear of the site and told commissioners the franchisee would accept an earlier closing time than midnight. Commissioners and neighbors focused on pedestrian crossings in front of the restaurant, stacking capacity in the drive‑through, and the scale and number of signs. Staff said the applicant reduced signs substantially from the initial submittal and removed a proposed monument sign at the property edge.
Commissioners debated an amendment to approve the ordinance with two conditions: require the restaurant to close at 10:30 p.m. and require the applicant to bring perimeter landscaping into compliance before receiving a certificate of occupancy. That motion failed on roll call, with Commissioner Clark and Mayor Reid voting no. Rather than proceed to final action with a divided vote, the commission voted unanimously to continue the second reading to a date‑certain — August 24, 2026 — so the matter can return to a full commission for final consideration.
What’s next: The applicant and staff will use the continuance to finalize conditions (hours, landscaping and any additional mitigations); the commission will revisit the item at the Aug. 24 meeting.
