Huge development could reshape Fort Pierce Inlet on South Hutchinson Island, see details

FORT PIERCE — A development of unprecedented scale that is planned to include hotels, condominiums, restaurants, a 7000-square-foot event center, retail shopping and about 1000 parking spaces could be built on a prime waterfront property on South Hutchinson Island overlooking the Fort Pierce Inlet.

That is the vision Sandy Woods — a local car dealer who, with family, owns the property between Square Grouper Tiki Bar and Manatee Island Bar and Grill — presented Thursday to an overflow crowd of more than 120 residents at Westside Church in South Beach. Most of those attending showed up at the invitation of District 2 City Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson.

A major part of Woods' pitch includes attracting — and taking advantage of — a potential Brightline train station in Fort Pierce.

"The people at Brightline are looking for a destination in this area," Woods said. "There are things that they're looking for that are not here yet."

After facing legal challenges from Martin and Indian River counties, Brightline promised to put a stop in the Treasure Coast within five years of carrying the first passengers through the region, an event which took place last week. On that day, the rail company's CEO Michael Reininger said the next station would likely be in the area, but he did not say where.

More: Brightline CEO: Treasure Coast train station is focus now following passenger rail launch

Woods, who said he has had a number of conversations with Brightline, is very confident that the station will be in Fort Pierce.

"It's coming to Fort Pierce," Woods said to cheers. "And remember, you heard it here first."

The possibility of a higher speed train station connecting Fort Pierce with Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and Orlando was not the only reason to believe that such a development could bring in the necessary number of visitors. Johnson noted that Fort Pierce recently experienced record highs in hotel tax revenue, putting it even above its much larger neighbor Port St. Lucie. There's also the possibility of the Treasure Coast International Airport adding commercial flights.

"We're going to be providing transportation from our facility to the international airport to Brightline and back, free of charge," Woods said.

More: Waiting for takeoff: Treasure Coast International Airport seeks OK for passenger flights

The development, dubbed "Boardwalk On The Inlet," would include an 88,000-square-foot Homewood Suites by Hilton, with 119 all-suite rooms, a separate 34,000-square-foot Aqua hotel with 40 luxury rooms, 110 condos across two locations, five to seven upscale restaurants, along with rooftop bars and an unannounced number of retail shopping outlets. All of it would be built around a parking garage that could fit about 1000 cars — more than 230 more than required. The garage could help the city with its parking space shortages, Woods said, but it's still very much in the earliest stages of development.

"This is conceptual planning," Johnson said. "This has not come to the City Commission."

The development would exceed the usual height restrictions in that section of Hutchinson Island. However, Johnson said there are various aspects of the code that allow developers to build higher and Woods said a new state law may invalidate restrictions anyway.

It is important that the public get involved as early as possible in a project of this magnitude, said both Johnson and Woods.

Residents' reviews were mixed. Most who spoke said development is necessary and exciting but urged caution and care. Multiple people voiced concerns over traffic impacts, while others said it would help attract and retain young people.

Multiple former political figures rose to speak in their new roles as residents of Hutchinson Island. Former Fort Pierce Mayor Bob Benton's remarks echoed the measured sentiments of many.

"There's a need for it, but I don't believe at this scale," Benton said.

Multiple residents, including former state Rep. Larry Lee, celebrated Woods as a local developer who would have the best interests of the community at heart, compared to others from out of town who could one day develop the land. The development could also change the image of Fort Pierce, Lee said.

"I get sick and tired of our counties to the north and south of us looking at us like we're a slum," Lee said. "I'm begging and pleading with you. We can't run people away. He (Woods) can go and spend his money elsewhere."

Woods said he has received numerous offers to sell the property since he and his family first acquired it.

"Every day I probably get 15 calls from all over the country, and all over the world," Woods said.

Prompted by resident questions, Johnson confirmed that this development would be in addition to the already announced King's Landing development, which plans to bring 116 residential units, 106 condos, 10 townhomes and 140 hotel rooms to downtown. It too would include restaurants, retail and parking. Developers from that project were also at the meeting, though they did not speak.

More: King's Landing project will revitalize downtown Fort Pierce ... eventually | Opinion

Multiple residents voiced concern that perhaps these developments would outpace demand. Woods does not think so, referencing a study he commissioned that found the area could support far more additional hotel space, even before potential changes with Brightline and the airport.

According to pamphlets distributed at the meeting, "Boardwalk On The Inlet" would create between 400 and 500 jobs during construction, to be followed by 300 to 400 permanent jobs.

Wicker Perlis is TCPalm's Watchdog Reporter for St. Lucie County. You can reach him at wicker.perlis@tcpalm.com and 504-331-0516.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: See plans for massive "Boardwalk On The Inlet" hotels, restaurants