New Development on SHI
At the membership meeting last week, Susan McIntyre provided an update on recent development activity on the island, including Ouanalao Resort/Seaside Resort and Sand & Sea. Please see “Highlights” below for details. There has continued to be considerable activity, however, regarding Seaside resort since the meeting. The 5/20/2021 SLC Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of the Conditional Use Permit and Site Plan to the BOCC. The BOCC will also provide final approval for the alcohol waiver. PC Board has remaining concerns regarding the west side development plans and anticipated shoreline and wetland waivers since they have not yet been presented. We will continue to voice those concerns to SLC staff and communicate with the members as the final approval BOCC meeting is scheduled. SLC Utilities – Update SHI Wastewater Treatment Plant (SHIWWTP)
Members of the PC Board met with George Landry, SLC Utilities District, as a follow up to the discussions of late 2019. As you may recall, at that time there was considerable debate and discussion about the appropriate funding strategy for the SHI Wastewater Treatment Plant (SHIWWTP), as part of the system-wide consolidation underway. SLC Utilities and PC came to a compromise agreement that resulted in SHI customers retaining an independent rate schedule with less of an increase that was stepped up over 7 years to cover the plant’s shortfall. The meeting late last month was to discuss and better understand the plant’s current financial standing. Over the last year, to gain efficiencies, management of the plant transferred to SLC Utilities District from the outside firm and improvements/upgrades have also been made to plant equipment. SHI customers will remain on their independent rate structure and there will be no further increases in the wastewater rate schedule for the coming year. PC plans to meet again next year with the District to review the financial standing since the management transfer, and to confirm the proposed rate schedule going forward. We appreciate the willingness of the District management to meet with us to ensure that there is a clear understanding of the funding requirements of the SHI plant. New Development on SHI As discussed at the April member meeting, there is significant development on the island. There are no changes to the February Report (available on the pc website https://www.pcofhi.com/updates/category/governmental-affairs) except as highlighted below: Ouanalao Residences & Resort / Seaside Resort / Tesoro / Ginn-LA The developer has amended the site plan to remove River/Lagoon amenities of pool, bathhouse, tiki bar and parking lot, and to modify/add other plan details. An application to amend Land Development Code (LDC) to allow alcohol sales in close proximity to a water-front park has been submitted for the benefit of the development’s restaurant. Presidents Council Board members met with Seaside developer Lee Heaton on 4/27/2021. Mr. Heaton presented site plans, floor plans & marketing material for his ‘unique’ 50-unit resort, renamed Ouanalao. Concerns for resort guests safely crossing A1A and adequate parking were discussed. The SLC Planning review meeting on 5/6/2021 further questioned the scope of the special events and parking requirements. President’s Council will continue to monitor the development’s progress through various County departments. May 20th is the next SLC Planning & Zoning Commission Hearing where the application to amend the LDC for alcohol will be presented. More information will be provided, when available. The Alcove Hutchinson/Sea Oats/Paradise Villas A new sign has been placed on the property south of Island Village, west of A1A. The development is composed of 4 – 3 story townhomes (2 buildings) and according to the website delivery is winter 2021. At this time, the revised site plan has not yet been submitted for review. UPDATE: DOCUMENT ATTACHED (click here) New Development Update
Property development on SHI is very active this year, as you have probably seen. Baron Island Storage has begun construction and land has been cleared in the areas of OceanGlass (28 townhomes) across from Atlantis, and Sea Oats (4 townhomes) & Missy’s Beach House (single family) across from Islandia. St. Lucie County’s Land Development Code (LDC) includes a section specific to Hutchinson Island Residential Development (HIRD) to ensure that the unique characteristics of our barrier island are protected. There are several vacant parcels that have caught the interest of developers who are discussing plans that exceed zoning and development codes, such as encroaching on shoreline protection setbacks and wetland buffers, exceeding 35’ building height limit and alcohol sales nearby county parks. As requests for waivers and amendments are submitted for County Commissioner consideration, PC will alert you to dates and details to encourage your support of existing zoning and development codes to protect the environment and residents of SHI. PC Board letter to State Legislature re “home rule” pending bills
As you may be aware, there are several bills in the State Legislature that would preempt County home rule ability to act in the best interest of the local residents. St Lucie County Commissioners recently enacted a Resolution (21-026) urging members of the Legislature to oppose these bills. In support of this Resolution, the PC Board sent a letter to the Legislature (copy attached to this post). We encourage interested Associations and individuals to also forward similar letters to Tallahassee to help ensure that state standardization of regulation does not supersede controls based on local needs. (click here to view letter) New Property Development on HI
As you have seen, there is considerable development activity along A1A with new signs being posted and parcels being cleared. PC Board members remain engaged with SLC Planning & Development Services to gain updates and progress reports regarding these projects. The latest update on the “New Development Projects” is on the website. click here to view New Legislation in State Senate On February 23rd, SLC voted to approve Resolution 21-026 to oppose state legislation that would preempt county home rule ability to act in a timely manner in the best interest of the residents of the county. A couple of the bills that have been filed in the 2021 Legislative Session could have significant negative impact on SHI; i.e. control over Ft Pierce Port and regulations over short term rental properties. As you see in the summaries below, this topic was discussed during the meetings with both SLC Commissioner Mitchell and State Senator Harrell. PC will continue to engage in discussion on this topic and keep the membership advised. Fire Dept Communication System - BDA Survey At this time a holding pattern is recommended, as the President’s Council continues to work with the Fire Marshall and County Commissioners to research the most effective way to comply with the state regulations. Everyone will be kept informed as progress is made on this issue. We expect to have more information by late summer. Minutes for 2/17/2021 PC Membership Meeting Links for information from Senator Gayle Harrell discussion. click here New Developments on Hutchinson Island
As you can see by the number of new signs up and down A1A, the island appears to have a flurry of residential development activity. PC Board members are meeting with the County Planning Staff and the Commissioners to help ensure that the needs of both the developers and island residents are understood and addressed. We are now also receiving information on development concepts earlier in the process, so that public input can be presented at the most effective time. The goal is to help ensure that the unique characteristics of the island are incorporated with all future growth plans. At the SLC BOCC meeting December 15th, the Commissioners discussed the need to ensure appropriate consideration of the evolving environment, especially in light of climate change and the impact on sea level rise, as well as design requirements based on changing customer demands, when reviewing the plans. Commissioners plan to have further discussion at a future BOCC Informal Meeting. We are also pleased to announce that representatives of the SLC Planning Staff, in addition to Commissioner Mitchell, will be among the guest speakers at the PC member meeting in January, which will provide another opportunity for SHI owners to learn more about the new development review process (see below for more details). Development project updates are shared on the website (https://www.pcofhi.com/updates/category/governmental-affairs). The next update will be in January. Atlantic Wellness: The May 2019 approval for PNRD (planned non-residential development) and Conditional Use permit for 4 Building / 200 patient Specialty Hospital was extended to July 5, 2021 based upon a request in accordance with Florida State Statutes and Executive Order of the Governor. This extension is independent of any eligible extension due to the appeal and associated tolling period, where applicable. No additional permits requested.
Updated 10/2020. 42’ Height Variance for 2 buildings approved by Board of Adjustment 7/2018. 6/2019 - Dr Cindy Wasserman and Gary Cicalese filed a lawsuit against SLC for authorizing the project site plan. 9/2020 - SLC’s request for Final Summary Judgment on lack of genuine issues of material fact was denied for two counts, granted on one issue, with the fourth allegation administratively dismissed. Non-jury trial is scheduled for 1/21/21. Baron Island Storage Conditional Use: Project is a self-storage facility consisting of 77 enclosed air-conditioned single-story units within 6 buildings and associated parking, drainage, etc. on west side of A1A. BOCC Meeting on 6/2/2020 approved the Conditional Use permit for the self-storage facility. Updated 10/2020. Corrected / Amended site plan submitted for Administrative staff review on 9/30/20. Anticipate Building Permit application. Cielo Beach (No Hutchinson Island): Potential 55 bed hotel & restaurant project has presented a petition for change in land use RH to Commercial and zoning to PNRD along with preliminary concept to amend Land Development Code to add “Height Zone C” - up to 65ft. Amendment would follow LDC 11.06.03 Standards of Review. SLC staff is reviewing, with no opinion or recommendation formulated at this time. It is unclear of any potential impact on So Hutchinson Island. Updated 10/30/2020. PC board members met with SLC staff to better understand the preliminary concept for the Amendment adding a new Height Zone C, and any potential impact this would have on SHI. The Staff will continue to keep PC informed on the progress of the review. Hutchinson Sands: 28 acres located ¼ mi south of Frederick Douglass park and north of Atlantic Wellness off Terrapin Drive, east of A1A. The 4 building, 92-unit Site Plan approved in 7/2016 is active through 11/25/2025. Updated 10/2020: 2/2016 Board of Adjustment approved 42’ height variance. Marisol: Major Site Plan approved in 10/2013 for a 5 building, 106 unit residential development located on 13 acres East of SR A1A approximately 3.3 miles north of Martin County, is active until May 22, 2024. The proposed Major Adjustment to the Marisol Major Site Plan, and renamed “Sand & Sea”, for conversion to a 18 lot single family subdivision was withdrawn in January 2020. Updated 10/2020. 42’ Height Variance for 3 buildings approved by Board of Adjustment 7/2012. Next step is Construction Plan review (utilities, drainage & parking). Added 10/2020 Majestic Bay: 10251 S Ocean Drive, just north of Bay Tree / Pepper Lane, west of A1A. Property Owner: Dap Dhaduk 7 LLC; Agent Matthew Madrazo / Civitella, LLC. Site plan approved in 2002 for 13 single family homes. Pre-Application meeting on 10/15/20 to discuss amended site plan for 23 townhomes in 4 buildings (5-7 units / building) on 11.8 acres (4.7 acres upland). Also included: pool, amenity facility, docks on the river, supplemental storage and a 2002 beach access easement. Updated 10/15/20 Information from Pre-application meeting: Plan requires zoning change from HIRD to PUD and height variance from 35ft to 42ft through Board of Adjustment prior to site plan submittal. Docks to require wetland impact information. OceanGlass Residences (formerly Tailers’ Cove/Sailor's Cove/ SeaGlass): PUD Site Plan Amendment proposing 29 townhomes on 14 acres west of S. A1A across from Atlantis submitted 7/2020, where 24 were previously approved as Tailers’ Cove (29 does not exceed maximum allowed). Updated 10/2020. Board of Adjustment approved 42’ height variance on 9/29/20. SLC planning staff awaiting minor adjustments / corrections to proposed site plan amendment before submitting to BOCC. Added 10/20/20 Sea Oats / Paradise Villas: Formal site plan application for 4 units in 2 buildings on 0.85 acre south of Island Village west of A1A, is pending with Development Review Committee, requiring action from SLC Planning Director as to approval / denial. Property in the process of being sold with anticipation of design alterations. Added 10/20/20 - Sopotnick Concept Plan (Formerly Kristen Cove)- 10 acre site on Aqua Ra Drive: During pre-application meeting with Development Review Committee on 10/1/2020, prospective owner proposed project started as 4 single family units (or 4 units via two duplexes), but focused on process and fewer requirements for a single 2 unit duplex (possibly pre-fab on stilts), which would fall under residential building permit requirements, using 1 acre of existing upland and possibly ZERO wetland encroachment as long as set-back is accommodated. Conversation inferred that there is no public comment on approval of 2-unit residential building permit. SLC planning staff awaiting formal site plan application. Sunset Beach PUD. 32 acres located ¼ mile north of Middle Cove Beach, East of A1A (south of Atlantic Wellness with wooden bridge entrance) being developed into 43 single family lots. Site plan expiring in 2019 has been automatically extended. Updated 10/2020: Road, drainage and utilities required (built or escrowed) prior to plat application to sub-divide lots. County Port Master Plan. Update included at PlanPortFP.com *Projects listed in alphabetical order. For further details on any of the projects, go to the St Lucie County website. Information on upcoming meeting agendas can be viewed on the County Calendar website. Planning & Development Meetings: Development Review Committee: consists of Engineering, Public Works, Building Code, School, Health, Fire Sheriff.
Several new projects have been added to the County’s New Development listing. The projects are in various phases and continue to be progressing through the SLC Planning & Development Dept. We will request to be placed on the County Planning & Development meetings agenda distribution list to ensure that we are notified of any development project that is located on the Island. We appreciate all of Kori Benton’s efforts, Sr Planner-SLC Planning & Development, to keep us informed on the progress of these projects. The details for all of the projects are being finalized in the next week, and will be placed on the PC website, Governmental Affairs Committee page.
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PRESIDENTS COUNCIL OF HUTCHINSON ISLAND | MISSION STATEMENT
The President’s Council, working together, seeks to maintain and enhance the lives of the owners and residents of Hutchinson Island. President’s Council serves St Lucie County, Hutchinson Island resident concerns, such as beach & dune, island safety & beautification, roads, future development and County services affecting us. |