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Fort Pierce: The Sunrise City
The Sunrise City
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City of Fort Pierce (COFP): How long have you been Economic Development
Graphic Manager, and what inspired you to take on the role? Button Icon Size #287589 Arial - RegularShyanne Harnage Shyanne Harnage (SH): I have
CITY OF FORT PIERCE
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
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been with the City of Fort Pierce for 8 years and have served as the Economic Development Manager for the last 4. I work to improve the Graphic quality of life in Fort Pierce through Button Hover Icon Size business retention and attraction, neighborhood revitalization, tax base diversification and redevelopment. My mission is to spark renewed interest in Fort Pierce and generate sustainable economic growth by creating opportunities for everyone to thrive.
COFP: The City of Fort Pierce has witnessed a lot of growth the past several years. What has been the most rewarding project you’ve had the privilege to work on and why?
(SH): Fort Pierce is in the midst of momentous transition, and I am extremely proud of the work we are doing to help propel the City forward. To me, it is not just a job, it is a chance to make an impact in the city that I love. I am working on several redevelopment projects that have the ability to transform our community with their economic impact and knowing that I am a part of this resurgence is exhilarating.
COFP: The City is currently promoting a Infill Lien Reduction Program. Can you discuss the importance of the program and why that is vital to the community?
(SH): The Infill Lien Reduction Program is designed to encourage new construction on vacant property throughout the city. The program promotes reinvestment and revitalization of vacant infill properties by providing the property owner relief from liens levied prior to their ownership in exchange for the development of that vacant parcel.
Once liens and accrued interest approach or exceed the value of a property, there is limited economic incentive to redevelop the property and the blighting influence of the property can continue. This program was created to encourage private investment and to improve blighted vacant properties within the City
of Fort Pierce that have existing code enforcement or nuisance abatement liens.
To be eligible for the program, the property must be an infill vacant lot within the city limits of Fort Pierce with no active code enforcement or nuisance abatement cases against it. The applicant must also affirm that they were not an owner or affiliated in any way with the property at the time the liens were originally recorded. Via development agreement, the City will waive all soft costs associated with the liens and provide a 50% refund of the hard costs paid. There will be specific time parameters associated with obtaining building permits and completing the new residential construction to be eligible for the refund. This program will be available on an individual basis.
COFP: What are some other projects you are currently working on at the moment?
(SH): One of the best things about my job is that the work is
always changing, and it is never mundane. I’m working on several redevelopment projects like King’s Landing and Fisherman’s Wharf. I’m also creating new programs and initiatives to assist businesses, residents and improve the aesthetic of Fort Pierce like grant programs, placemaking projects and mobility improvements.
COFP: The City of Fort Pierce recently hosted a Downtown Master Plan Project. Why is that important for the future of downtown and what does the City plan to do with the responses moving forward?
(SH): The City and FPRA have embarked upon numerous planning studies that address the downtown like the 2020 FPRA Redevelopment Plan, Parking Studies, 2021 Retail Market Study, the 2008 Downtown Waterfront Charrette, the 2020 Port of Fort Pierce Master Plan, the 2014 Martin and St. Lucie Regional Waterways Plan. With many new projects planned or underway, it is important for us to have a strong vision for the future with a plan that is both comprehensive and relevant. The updated master plan will seek to create a clear vision for future development within the Central Business District and adopt an implementation strategy to guide (re)development efforts. We’re looking to foster sustainable growth while preserving and enhancing the City’s unique character. The slogan for the Downtown Master Plan is Charting our Course: Honoring our Past; Building our Future.
