FORT PIERCE – The Planning Board majority here recommended that the City Commission approve the latest amended site plan July 14 for the hotel phase of the long-waited King’s Landing development that’s currently cycling through another advisory board on its way to meet a tight contractual deadline between the city and new master developer.
Planning Director Kevin Freeman introduced the latest amendment to the site plan for the project that’s become controversial due to substantial delays by the previous master developer Audubon Development that have prompted calls by both city commissioners and members of the public to consider starting the project over. Audubon has since relinquished master developer status to Jacksonville-based Live Oak Contracting and the Marriott-flagged hotel to Tampa-based Mainsail Lodging & Development.
“Today we’re looking at a major amendment to the existing site plan,” he said. “This application is being brought forward by Hailey Ward Engineering Company. The applicant is Audubon Incorporated [and] the address is 322 N. 2 St. This hearing, together with a hearing from the Historic Preservation Board and the City Commission, will need to be undertaken before or about September of this year. We’re under a time constraint with this one, so your diligence in reviewing this one will be greatly appreciated.”…