The Fort Pierce Planning Board voted unanimously Monday to recommend approval of a conditional use permit for New Elite Academy, a proposed daycare at 2210 Orange Avenue, with two conditions tied to occupancy. The board’s motion passed by roll call, with Ms. Clemens moving and Ms. Carter seconding.

The application, presented by city planning staffer Ms. Driver, requested a conditional use with no new construction for a property currently occupied by Jabir's Pharmacy. The applicant, Lainie Romulus, who identified herself as co-owner of New Elite Academy, told the board the move would allow the center to serve a long wait list and expand from its current facility at 1907 Okeechobee Road.

The conditional use would allow the site, zoned C-3 General Commercial with a GC future land use designation, to operate as a daycare serving children 6 weeks to 5 years old. According to the staff presentation, the site is about 1.032 acres and the proposed operation would serve approximately 152 children between 5 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Staff said proposed interior modifications include removal of some interior walls, electrical and plumbing updates, secure access, an interior build-out kitchen, and an exterior mulch playground; the plan showed eight classrooms with adjoining restrooms.

Ms. Driver summarized staff recommendations, asking the board to move the application forward to the city commission with two conditions: that sign permits be applied for prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy and that a notarized landscape maintenance agreement be submitted prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy. During discussion, board members questioned potential traffic stacking on Orange Avenue during peak drop-off and pick-up times and whether additional curb cuts or changes to access would be appropriate. Ms. Driver said the city engineering review had signed off on the plan as presented; she also said, given the project scale, formal site-plan review would likely be handled as a minor review rather than a full return to the board.

Applicant Lainie Romulus described current operations and scheduling at the existing facility, saying the center currently operates early hours to accommodate parents who commute and that pickup times are staggered. "We have parents pick up as early as 2PM to 6PM," Romulus said, arguing the staggered schedules would reduce the likelihood of all parents arriving simultaneously. She also said the existing center is licensed for 39 at one time but currently accommodates split programs and a larger total enrollment, and that the proposed site would allow the business to serve an expanded wait list.

Board members asked about playground landscaping after noticing prickly pear cactus on the plan; staff clarified those plants were existing and proposed to be removed. After discussion the board moved to recommend approval with the two staff conditions. The roll-call vote recorded all members present voting in favor.

The recommendation will go to the Fort Pierce City Commission for final action, and the two conditions must be satisfied before a certificate of occupancy is issued.