Port St. Lucie has approved the purchase of approximately 111.6 acres of surplus land from the St. Lucie County School District, with plans to convert it into green space, conservation land, or future parkland. This significant acquisition supports the city’s ongoing efforts to expand parkland and preserve open space as outlined in the Port St. Lucie 20-Year Parks & Recreation Master Plan.

Port St. Lucie Green Space Land Purchase Details

The main keyword, Port St. Lucie green space land purchase, reflects the city’s commitment to increasing public access to natural areas. The approved transaction involves several parcels, including two plots of about 20 acres each near Walton Road and Tiffany Avenue, and a larger parcel of approximately 73 acres off Southbend Boulevard. According to city officials, the total purchase price is about $11.6 million.

The St. Lucie County School District declared these properties surplus after determining they were no longer needed for educational use. Payment for the land will be made over three years, but the city will take full ownership once the deal is finalized. The city commission unanimously approved the purchase, emphasizing the need to preserve open space and prevent the land from being sold to private developers for housing.

Alignment With Port St. Lucie Parks & Recreation Master Plan

This acquisition directly supports the Port St. Lucie 20-Year Parks & Recreation Master Plan. The plan prioritizes expanding green space and parkland in response to resident feedback and the city’s rapid urban growth. City officials report that the purchase addresses community concerns about overdevelopment, environmental preservation, and maintaining quality of life.

The city has not yet finalized the timeline for developing the acquired land into green space or parks. However, officials have committed that the land will not be used for housing. The acquisition is seen as a proactive measure to balance growth with conservation, reflecting the city’s broader strategy to manage urban expansion sustainably.

Details of the Land Parcels Acquired

• Two parcels of approximately 20 acres each located near Walton Road and Tiffany Avenue
• One parcel of about 73 acres situated off Southbend Boulevard

According to the St. Lucie County School District, these parcels were declared surplus after being deemed unnecessary for future educational facilities. The city’s acquisition ensures the land will remain available for public use as green space or parkland.

Funding and Transaction Structure

The total purchase price for the land is approximately $11.6 million. Payment will be made over three years, allowing the city to manage the expenditure within its budget. Full ownership will transfer to Port St. Lucie once the deal is finalized, according to city officials.

City officials indicate that the funds provided to the school district will support other district projects. This arrangement benefits both the city and the school district, with the city gaining much-needed open space and the district receiving funds for its priorities.

Community Response and Development Concerns

The decision to purchase the land follows the city’s recent denial of a proposed housing development that would have added 850 new residential units. This reflects ongoing concerns among residents about overdevelopment and the importance of maintaining green space. According to city officials, the acquisition is intended to prevent the land from being sold to private developers for housing.

Local experts and city officials view the purchase as a positive step toward addressing rapid development and environmental preservation. The move is consistent with a regional trend to prioritize environmentally sensitive land and open space, with advisory committees and public input playing a role in land selection and conservation efforts.

Regional Trends in Land Conservation

Port St. Lucie’s acquisition is part of a broader movement throughout the Treasure Coast to protect open space and environmentally sensitive areas. Advisory committees and public engagement have influenced land selection and conservation priorities in the region. City officials report that these efforts are essential for balancing growth with environmental stewardship.

The city’s commitment to green space aligns with similar initiatives in neighboring communities, where the preservation of natural areas is increasingly prioritized. These actions aim to ensure that residents have access to parks, trails, and conservation land as the region continues to grow.

Frequently Asked Questions About Port St. Lucie Green Space Land Purchase

What is the Port St. Lucie green space land purchase?

The Port St. Lucie green space land purchase refers to the city’s approval to buy about 111.6 acres of surplus land from the St. Lucie County School District. The land will be used for green space, conservation, or future parkland.

How much did Port St. Lucie pay for the surplus land?

Port St. Lucie agreed to pay about $11.6 million for the 111.6 acres of surplus land. The payment will be made over three years, with full ownership transferring once the deal is finalized.

Are there plans to build housing on the acquired land?

No, city officials have committed that the land will not be used for housing. The property will be preserved as green space, conservation land, or future parkland.

Where are the new green space parcels located in Port St. Lucie?

The acquired parcels include two plots near Walton Road and Tiffany Avenue, and a larger parcel off Southbend Boulevard. These areas will be developed for public use as green space or parks.

Can you visit the new parkland in Port St. Lucie now?

The timeline for developing the land into parks or green space has not been finalized. The city will announce when the areas are ready for public access.