The most pressing topic of the meeting was the proposal to amend the zoning of a four-acre parcel on Martin Luther King Boulevard to accommodate Project Lift, a vocational training facility. The site, previously known as the Vista Village shopping center, is situated within the CRA and East Stewart neighborhood. The amendment aimed to change the existing commercial planned unit development (CPUD) zoning, allowing for the exclusive establishment of the training center. Chris McCrain from the development department detailed the rezoning petition, emphasizing the center’s potential to provide vocational training for local youth through shifts accommodating up to 30 students at a time. However, this proposal raised concerns among community members.

Residents, including Fay James and Mr. James Christie, expressed apprehensions about Project Lift’s exclusivity and its impact on the community’s heritage. James highlighted the historical significance of the area and questioned the absence of provisions to honor its legacy. Christie echoed these sentiments, lamenting the transformation of a historically significant building and fearing the community would become a “depository” for unwanted facilities. Meanwhile, Joseph Cooper supported the project, seeing it as an opportunity to address the decline of tradespeople in the area.

Further complicating matters was a discussion about the restrictive language in the zoning amendment, particularly the use of “only” in reference to the training center, which some saw as limiting future adaptability. This concern was compounded by the fact that the facility would be funded by a Community Development Block Grant, requiring the creation of jobs for low and moderate-income families, adding pressure to ensure community engagement and economic development objectives were met.

The meeting also addressed significant amendments to the city’s Land Development Code concerning marijuana dispensaries. Proposed changes included an exclusion zone to prevent clustering of dispensaries in downtown Stuart, aimed at preserving the area’s character. The proposed 2,500-foot buffer from schools and churches was deemed problematic, with a 500-foot buffer suggested as more feasible. There was debate over whether exclusion zones were necessary, with some arguing for alignment with liquor regulations to avoid complexity.

One member of the community voiced strong opposition to exclusion zones, arguing that they would not be effective and could create enforcement challenges.

In addition to these topics, the meeting explored a potential loan program designed to support mixed-use properties in downtown Stuart. Concerns were raised about the feasibility of current financing options, with restrictions from lenders like the Small Business Administration affecting development. The proposed loan program, with potential amounts ranging from $50,000 to $100,000, aimed to address these challenges. Alternative funding strategies, such as forgivable loans, were also discussed to provide financial relief while benefiting the community.

Lastly, the meeting touched on the Business Improvement Reimbursement Grant Program, which supports property enhancements within the CRA. Proposed revisions aimed to expand eligibility and focus on landscaping improvements, with a budget of $25,000 for the fiscal year. The program’s effectiveness and its impact on property values were questioned, prompting suggestions for larger funding mechanisms and exploration of loans as a viable option.