Commission denies PUD amendment to expand Bridge Road self-storage; approves separate storage site plan

Martin County commissioners on April 7 denied a requested amendment to the Island Crossings commercial planned unit development that would have allowed a two‑story, 99,922‑square‑foot residential self‑storage facility on Bridge Road, citing concerns that the change would undermine the county's comprehensive plan and set a risky precedent.

The vote to deny the sixth PUD amendment carried 4–1, with Commissioner Campy the lone dissent. Commissioner Caps moved denial, saying the amendment would amount to an exception to the PUD's remaining allowable square footage and could invite similar requests elsewhere.

Supporters of the Bridge Road proposal asked the board to allow the larger footprint. Randy Jones, a Martin County resident who said he has family ties to the Hope Sound area, told commissioners the project "represents a rare opportunity for smart revenue" and that the use would place minimal demand on roads, utilities and schools. His remarks were echoed by Jill Jones, who said local storage options are aging and frequently full.

Opponents raised site‑specific problems and enforcement concerns. Derek Powell, a nearby homeowner, said drainage on and around the Pepperwood development had changed and was now damaging existing yards, and asked the board to require verified, in‑field drainage checks and stronger developer accountability. "Who's holding the developer accountable while the work is happening? Not after the damage is done," Powell said in public comment.

Applicant representatives and staff had argued the storage use was a low‑impact, permitted commercial option and touted public benefits including a pedestrian plaza, additional preserved native vegetation and a $25,000 contribution to the Hobound Historical Society. The applicant's planner said many by‑right commercial uses (including gas stations or drive‑through restaurants) would generate higher traffic and impacts than the proposed storage building.

Although the Bridge Road PUD amendment failed, the board separately approved a final site plan for a different self‑storage project. The Storage Rentals of America final site plan, a three‑story, 97,500‑square‑foot facility at Southeast Dixie Highway and Southeast Osprey Street inside an existing PUD, won unanimous approval after staff and the applicant described landscaping, buffers, and steps to preserve a large on‑site pine tree.

The denial leaves the Island Crossings master plan unchanged and preserves the PUD's existing development allotment; the developer may revise proposals or pursue other permitted uses within the current PUD framework. The Storage Rentals of America project will proceed to permit and construction stages under the approved final site plan.

Actions: The board voted to deny the Island Crossings PUD amendment (motion moved by Commissioner Caps; result 4 in favor of denial, 1 opposed). The board adopted a resolution approving the Storage Rentals of America final site plan (unanimous).