The Fort Pierce Planning Board convened on June 9, 2025, to discuss several key issues regarding the proposed Symphony Lakes development project. The meeting focused on outstanding information required from various agencies before the project can proceed to the city commission.

The staff presented a series of recommendations, emphasizing the need for confirmation on several critical aspects of the application. These included the design of a buffer to Christiansen Road, requirements from the school district, and verification that conditions of the conceptual Planned Development (PD) are being met. The staff noted that while some conditions appear to be satisfied, formal confirmation from the applicant is necessary.

A significant point of discussion was the need for input from St. Lucie County regarding a traffic impact analysis and the alignment of roadway improvements with the findings of that analysis. The staff indicated that without written approvals from relevant agencies, the application would not be forwarded to the city commission.

The board was presented with four options for moving forward: to table the application for further information, to approve it with conditions that must be met prior to city commission review, to approve it with additional alternative conditions, or to deny it. The staff highlighted that the development agreement includes various factors, including timelines and conditions for roadway and traffic improvements, which must be completed before any construction can begin.

Board members expressed concerns about the lack of completed information, particularly regarding the school district's input on bus stop designations within the development. One member voiced discomfort with the idea of approving the project without clear commitments from the school board, describing it as akin to issuing a "blank check."

In light of these concerns, the board leaned towards option one, which would require the applicant to return with the necessary information before any further action is taken. The applicant, represented by Leah Heinz from Kotler and Hearing, acknowledged the board's concerns and expressed readiness to address any questions.

The meeting concluded with a consensus that further clarification and confirmations are essential before the project can advance, ensuring that all outstanding issues are resolved to the satisfaction of the Planning Board and relevant agencies.