SPOTLIGHT
“This whole planning effort is about what the community
wants ― not planning and zoning, not the building department,
not politicians ― but what the neighbors want,”
explains Tobin.
Physical boundaries (U.S. 1, the river, Bayshore Boulevard)
split the city into planning areas with sub-sections being
smaller neighborhoods. With 15 planning areas in all, the first
six to be included in talking sessions are in the central and
eastern sections of town. The population of 40,000 residents
in the core (Archer Avenue to the north, the river to the east,
Canal 24 to the south and the Florida Turnpike to the west)
is almost the size of the city of Fort Pierce ― a city within
the city. The question then becomes, “How do we break it
down?” Messaging is the tool that is being used to get the
word out and drive community interest through civic organizations,
homeowner’s associations, Realtors ― to as many
members in the areas as possible.
“Residents know their needs; it’s their city. It can be difficult
to get the news out. Communication is the key,”
Tobin says.
Neighbors in planning Area 3 (zip codes 34983 and 34984)
met after an online survey was implemented. Questions
posed in the survey were about improvements like signage,
pocket parks and traffic calming measures. The creative
process for new branding of the central area is in a concept
stage while the remaining areas have been sectioned out and
targeted for future input from residents.
By entering the process, residents are able to gain a new
awareness of their surroundings and take pride and ownership
as the community is strengthened through relationships.
It is the city’s hope to create stable neighborhoods and pro- >>
CITY OF PSL
The public docks at the Promenade/River Walk North are an example of
mixed recreation amenities on the river.
Did You Know?
Port St. Lucie is the third largest Florida city in
overall size at 116 square miles and the ninth
largest in Florida for its population.*
*City website
Port St. Lucie Magazine 13
/www.pgavillage.com