The Fort Pierce City Commission voted unanimously on August 3 to approve a major site plan and conditional use permit allowing GraceWay Village, Inc. to construct 36 dwelling units of temporary family housing at 1780 Hartman Road. The project will be built on 7.84 acres near the nonprofit's existing cafe and clothing boutique, with a density of 4.5 units per acre, well below the maximum of 15 units per acre allowed under the city's comprehensive plan for general commercial land use.
The development will proceed in three phases. Phase 1 will occupy 10,200 square feet and contain 10 dwelling units with support facilities. Phase 2 will add six buildings totaling 17,800 square feet, with each building containing three dwelling units.
Phase 3 will expand the first facility by 6,300 square feet, adding eight additional dwelling units and support facilities. Each unit will be approximately 990 square feet, and 73.72 percent of the site will remain open space.
Assistant Planning Director Chris Suneson told the commission that the project met all code requirements and had been coordinated with the Technical Review Committee, with all departments supporting the application. St. Lucie County has required the applicant to provide a sidewalk in front of the property from north to south. The Planning Board had previously recommended approval unanimously at a July 13 meeting.
GraceWay Village CEO Chrystal Netherton told the Planning Board in July that the facility focuses on temporary stays to help families become self-sufficient. Project Engineer Mark Landsman said many residents might only need a three-month stay. Commissioner Chris Dzadovsky made the motion for approval on August 3, which was seconded by Commissioner Michael Broderick and passed unanimously.