The Martin County Commission unanimously approved a PUD zoning agreement Dec. 9 for Martin Commerce Park, a 167‑acre industrial development proposed by Ashley Capital and Lucido & Associates that would allow up to 1,100,000 square feet of nonresidential building area and require developer‑funded infrastructure and public benefits.

Applicant representatives and planning professionals presented the master site plan and phasing strategy, noting phase‑1 work includes roads, utilities and seven buildings totaling roughly 500,000 square feet. Morris Crady, senior partner with Lucido & Associates, said the project will construct infrastructure, restore preserve areas and plant native landscaping. He said the developer expects to pay up to $3,000,000 in impact fees and projected annual ad valorem taxes of about $1.2 million once built.

The package's notable public benefits include a dedication of approximately 5.7 acres to the county for a western Palm City fire‑station site and restoration of about 2.75 acres of upland habitat to connect preserve areas. The developer also agreed to fund intersection improvements and a traffic signal at Southwest Martin Highway and Stuart West Boulevard; transportation consultants said they anticipate the signal will meet FDOT warranting criteria as development proceeds and that the signal may operate in flashing mode until full warrants are met.

Commissioners from multiple districts supported the project both for its economic development potential and for the public benefits. "The public benefits are tremendous," Commissioner Heatherington said, noting the fire station and traffic signal address long‑standing county infrastructure needs.

Why it matters: The PUD converts lands previously rezoned via 2024 comp‑plan actions into a master‑planned industrial park with developer commitments for infrastructure and public benefits that accelerate county projects (fire station, intersection upgrades) without direct county capital outlay.

Conditions and approvals: Staff recommended approval after finding the application consistent with the comprehensive plan and code; the Local Planning Agency previously recommended approval. The PUD allows one deviation: increasing maximum building height from 30 to 40 feet to accommodate standard clear‑ceiling heights for industrial uses; all other LI standards are met or exceeded.

Next steps: Applicant will coordinate with FDOT and county staff to finalize traffic signal design and phasing; phase‑1 site‑specific plans are anticipated early next year. County staff will record the PUD agreement and track developer commitments.