STUART — The City Commission approved a conditional use and distance waiver Nov. 10 allowing a West Coast Florida franchisee to open a new Spice & Tea Exchange in Downtown Stuart, despite city code normally requiring 300 feet between similar businesses.
The debate centered on a 15-year-old amendment to the city’s land development code, designed to limit formula businesses —franchises with multiple locations nationwide — in the historic district to preserve Downtown Stuart’s unique character.
City Planner Mechelle Arbuzow explained, “This is a request by Glenn and Kimberly Gordon for 39 S.W. Osceola St. The waiver is for two formula businesses within 300 feet — Duffy’s Sports Grill and Kilwin’s Chocolates. Such businesses are not prohibited downtown but require CRB consideration and City Commission approval.”…