Fort Pierce planning board approves revised Sunrise Lakes plan | St. Lucie County

FORT PIERCE – The city’s advisory Planning Board on Oct. 13 recommended approval of the final site plan for Sunrise Lakes in White City, just weeks after rejecting an earlier version over concerns about off-road school bus pick-ups. The decision allows the developer to move forward following revisions that addressed the board’s earlier objections.

The city’s newly installed Assistant Planning Director Christopher Suneson opened the hearing that evening on the 11.5-acre parcel.

“This is a revised application proposing a rezoning to a final PD of 48 single-family residences at 4.16 units per acre at 3804 Sunrise Boulevard,” he said. “The site is south of Bell Avenue along Sunrise, zoned R-1, with a future land use of residential low, allowing up to 6.5 units per acre. It’s bordered by RS-3 zoning to the south and west, a cemetery to the north, and the FDOT building to the west.”

Suneson outlined the changes made since the board’s Sept. 6 rejection.

“The Planning Board recommended disapproval 6-1 due to the lack of a bus turnaround and a stop within the development, and the number of units, then at 50,” he said. “The revised plan includes a school bus turnaround and stop, a sidewalk along Sunrise Boulevard to Bell Avenue, and a reduction to 48 units. The application now meets city code standards, and staff recommends approval with 12 conditions forwarded to the City Commission.”

Blane Bergstresser, the applicant’s engineer of record, presented the development’s history and changes.

“Back in December 2023, we met with city staff to discuss a potential townhome project on this parcel, then in unincorporated St. Lucie County. Staff suggested single-family homes would be more appropriate,” he said. “We submitted an annexation in February 2024, followed by a site plan process. We appeared before this Board in May 2025, where the previous plan was approved 5-0, but it was tabled at the City Commission in July.”

After the Planning Board rejected the plan in September, Bergstresser revised it.

“We eliminated two units, added a bus stop and an off-Sunrise turnaround. Previously, buses would stop on Sunrise and loop onsite. The School Board agreed, asking only for some parent parking spaces,” he said.

Bergstresser highlighted how the site plan meets city code criteria for natural features, tree preservation, efficient land use, and amenities.

“We realized there aren’t many safe pick-up areas nearby, so we’re adding a sidewalk along Sunrise frontage and an extra 1,031 feet to Bell Avenue, providing a sheltered bus stop for neighbors. We’ll extend 1,290 feet of four-inch force main along our frontage, allowing nearby septic-dependent homes future connection to a centralized system,” he said.

Local homebuilder Joe Scionti of Integrity First Construction also addressed the board.

“I’m not a national builder putting up cheap homes. With these changes, we’re enhancing bus stop safety, sidewalks, landscape buffers, and a pool for residents. Homes will feature metal roofs, impact windows, porcelain tile, and quartz countertops. It’s a value to homeowners,” he said.

Board Member Christopher Widing asked about School Board approval of the turnaround.

“I’m reconfirming your setup. Did the School Board approve the roundabout?” he asked.

Bergstresser said he sent the modified plan but had received no feedback. Chairman Anton Kreisl then asked St. Lucie School District Growth Management Coordinator Nicole Fogarty.

“Did you have comments on the turnaround radius?” he asked.

Fogarty replied she hadn’t received it. Bergstresser insisted he had sent it; she confirmed the bus could make the turn, the main concern for the District.

Planning Board members emphasized avoiding new stops on busy roadways after a student was struck boarding a bus on Oleander Avenue in December 2021. Chairman Kreisl suggested making compliance with the District’s minimum radius a condition of approval.

Only one public speaker, Ronna Perry, opposed the smaller lot sizes, higher density, and tree loss. Board Member Justine Carter agreed, while noting improvements.

“A lot of great improvement has been made, but my concern remains with density. Does staff see any impacts on general health, safety, and welfare? Could this set a precedent?” she asked.

Suneson responded that the proposed 4.16 units per acre is within city limits.

“The land is residential low, and zoning allows four units per acre. The land-use element allows one to 6.5 units per acre. The 4.16 units proposed are relatively low compared to what’s allowed,” he said.

Despite Suneson’s assurances, Carter and Board Member Whiting cast the two dissenting votes. Five members recommended approval, forwarding the plan to the City Commission.