April:
Stuart Local Planning Agency unanimously recommends approval of 162,020-square-foot Costco, 18-pump gas station, 398-unit apartment complex and retail and restaurant space on a 49-acre parcel.
June:
Stuart Commission unanimously approves project on first reading.
August:
Stuart Commission unanimously approves proposal on second reading.
September:
Stuart resident Robin Cartwright, who intervened against the project in a quasi-judicial hearing, filed a challenge to the city’s assigned land use designation.
2022
April:
Judge Francine Folkes files a recommended order siding with the petitioner.
August:
The Governor’s Cabinet hears arguments from the challenger’s attorney and the city of Stuart’s counsel. Despite discussion that apparently in favor of overturning the judge’s decision, the cabinet delays a decision.
November:
Petitioner and individuals opposing the project since its onset pressure the Stuart Commission to drop its defense of the city’s 2021 approval prior to the hearing with the governor’s cabinet.
2023
January:
The Administration Commission determines that the city applied the proper neighborhood special district land-use designation.
April:
Petitioner files an appeal with the Fourth District Court of Appeal to be heard at a date not yet determined.