During the Fort Pierce City Commission Regular Meeting on August 4, 2025, significant discussions centered around the establishment of a new group home in the Sunrise community. The meeting highlighted concerns from both the applicants and local residents regarding the implications of this facility on the neighborhood.

The applicants, Johnna Roberts and Obed Bazile, presented their plans for the group home, which is intended to provide housing for individuals with various developmental disabilities, including autism and bipolar disorder. They emphasized that the home would not accommodate individuals with addiction issues, addressing community concerns about safety and compatibility with the surrounding area. Bazile, who operates a similar facility in Vero Beach, assured the commission that the residents would be carefully selected based on their needs and compatibility with the home environment.

Roberts and Bazile also outlined the operational aspects of the group home, including 24/7 supervision, security measures such as cameras, and a focus on community engagement through activities outside the home. They clarified that residents would have the freedom to leave at any time and could stay for as long as they needed, depending on their individual circumstances.

However, the public hearing revealed strong opposition from local residents. Lisa Kaufman, a neighbor, expressed concerns about the safety of children in the area and questioned the adequacy of the home’s facilities to meet ADA requirements. She highlighted that the neighborhood had not been informed about the change from a residential sale to a group home, raising fears about the potential impact on community dynamics.

In response, Bazile defended the decision to convert the property into a group home, explaining that market conditions had influenced their choice. He urged the community to consider that the residents of the group home could be anyone’s family member, emphasizing the importance of not judging individuals based on preconceived notions.

The meeting concluded with the commission deliberating on the application, weighing the benefits of providing supportive housing against the concerns raised by residents. The outcome of this discussion will be crucial in determining the future of the group home and its role within the Fort Pierce community. As the commission continues to evaluate the proposal, the dialogue between the applicants and the community underscores the complexities of integrating supportive housing into established neighborhoods.