Fort Pierce residents and the planning board are speaking out against a proposed development on South Hutchinson Island. The project, called Causeway Cove, would bring five buildings, over 900 condos, and more than 400 hotel rooms to the area.

Concerns Over Development

Locals are worried about the potential impact of the development, including increased traffic and the loss of the area’s natural beauty. The development would also include a marina with over 200 slips, and the buildings would range from 127 to 192 feet tall, exceeding the city’s 45-foot height limit.

Despite these concerns, the planning board approved the next step for the development, citing a state law that allows projects with sufficient affordable housing to bypass local regulations. The Causeway Cove project meets this requirement, and the board chairman stated that they did not want to violate any state statutes.

Residents expressed their dismay over the potential impact of the development, with one resident saying, ‘I think it’s horrible.’ Another resident stated, ‘I know you’re going to have development. As long as that big orange ball is in the sky, people are going to keep coming to Florida. But for God’s sake, let’s think about what we’re doing.’

The first building is expected to be completed by 2030 if the project moves forward as planned.

Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.