STUART, Fla. — The city of Stuart is continuing their discussions on proposed code changes to limit development in East Stuart.
Mayor Campbell Rich said it's a high-interest topic for many, and they want to continue to hear from residents before voting on the ordinance.
WPTV first told you about the ordinance last month, which would require city approval to develop in east Stuart.
In February, commissioners postponed the vote, and last Thursday they held a town hall to gather input.
Many people, like Albert Brinkley, attended and spoke in support of the ordinance. Brinkley wants to avoid gentrification in east Stuart.
"We want this to be turned back to what it originally was," Brinkley said. "A residential community. That's what we want. We're losing history."
Brinkley fears it will bring mixed-use and commercial properties to his backyard. However, others are against the ordinance and fear that additional requirements for approval would cost them more and make the process lengthier.
Walter Oden is a developer with Oden Development and has properties in east Stuart. He said he's been working on a triplex for two years and worries about what'll happen if the ordinance passes.
"I can't build that as of right, so you just impeded my property rights, and I think that the limitation on owners' property rights is a problem," Oden said. "You're literally going to kill east Stuart with a decision like this.”
Following Thursday's town hall, city commissioners are looking to schedule another input session sometime in April.
