Note that at the December 3 meeting Public Comment went for just over 50 minutes.
Consent Agenda Items of Interest
Within the Consent Agenda are some board and committee assignments.
Consent Agenda Item 25 – elect Commissioner Krista Joseph as a member and chair of the St. Johns County Value Adjustment Board and to elect Commissioner Christian Whitehurst as a member of the St. Johns County Value Adjustment Board.
Consent Agenda Item 26 – appoint Kyle Sawchuk to the North Coastal Design Review Board.
Consent Agenda Item 27 – appoint Commissioner Krista Joseph to the Northeast Florida Regional Council Board of Directors and to appoint Commissioner Clay Murphy to the Northeast Florida Regional Council Board of Directors.
Regular Agenda Items
Agenda Item 1 is the 2025 Roadway and Transportation Alternatives List of Priority Projects (LOPP)
“The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and the North Florida Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) requests project priorities from local governments for potential funding of new transportation projects to be considered for inclusion in the new fiscal year of FDOT’s Work Program. This is an annual recurring request sent to local governments. The St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners is charged with prioritizing all projects within the County, including those within municipal boundaries. The Transportation Advisory Group (TAG), consisting of County staff, representatives of the City of St. Augustine, St. Augustine Beach, St. Johns County School District, St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, and the St. Augustine-St. Johns County Airport Authority met on November 14, 2024 to review last year’s priorities and recommend this year’s priorities. The attached LOPP includes TAG’s recommendations for both highway and alternatives projects. This meeting staff is requesting the approval of the Regional Priority list.”
Agenda Item 2 is a Change Order for the Greenbriar to Cimmarone Widening Project.
There is an existing project to widen CR 210 from Greenbriar to Cimmarrone. It has been determined it is necessary to include the Greenbriar Road/Veterans Parkway Intersection in this project.
Details of the project and the change order are here: Agenda Item 2
Agenda Item 3 – FEMA Public Assistance
This is an opportunity to add North Ponte Vedra Beach to the existing South Ponte Vedra Beach restoration Project being funded through a Federal Grant.
This is the required annual update from the AHAC. This includes a current state view and recommendations on how to address the growing problem of affordable housing in St. Johns County for not only low income families but our “missing middle.”
Agenda Items 5 & 6 – Hardee Family request to rezone approx. 30 acres of land from Planned Rural Development to Open Rural. This is located at the corner of Oscar Ashton Road and county Road 13A North and approx. 30 acres of land from Rural/Silviculture to Residential A with a text amendment limiting the property to a maximum of 5 single family dwelling units.
Agenda Item 7 is under the auspices of the St. Johns County CRA.
This item is the Vilano Beach Main Street Contract for the purposes of providing services and projects “consistent with the community redevelopment plan” for the Vilano Beach Redevelopment Area.
Agenda Item 8 is the Second Presentation of the Draft Countywide Strategic Plan
“This draft outlines the proposed strategic priorities and objectives for the Board’s discussion and consideration. The Board can choose to approve the draft as it is or make additional changes. The next phase of the project will involve finalizing the implementation plan, which includes specific action items to achieve these objectives, identifying performance measures, and developing a graphic version of the final plan to share with the community.”
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Tuesday’s meeting has some important topics including new parks and updates on the Live Local Act
There are 3 Proclamations to be issued at Tuesday’s meeting;
Recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month
Recognizing Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Recognizing National Library Week
Consent Agenda
Two items of interest on the Consent Agenda are:
Consent Agenda Item 21 – Issuance of bonds by the Housing Finance Authority of St. Johns County to finance or refinance rehabilitation, construction and development of a multifamily housing project known as Summerset village and Summer Breeze Apartments.
These are existing apartments located in St. Augustine. Background materials are here: Consent Agenda Item 21
Consent Agenda item 22 is an event approval for 3 Triathalon events to take place at Vilano Beach. These events are sponsored by Game On Race Events. The event has been moved from Mickler’s Landing because of the current renourishment project.
AgendaItem 1 – Regional Park and Community Service Center Plan is a review of a plan for 4 full-service regional parks Parks Presentation
Presentation Agenda
AgendaItem 2 – State Funded Florida Shared-Used Nonmotorized Trail Network Program Agreements. In a nutshell, the Florida Legislature allocated $26,277,505 I FDOT Sun Trail Grant funds for 5 segments of the SUN Trail network. As a condition of the funding, the county is required to maintain the project for it’s useful life. This item is for approval to execute the agreements. Details are here: Agenda Item 2
River-to-Sea Loop
Agenda Item 3 – Capital Improvement Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2024. This is project to reduce the cost of deb servicing for the county. Agenda Item 3
Agenda Item 4 – 1st Reading of SJC Ordinance 2022-22, Purchasing Policy, including Local Preference.
In September 2023 there was a proposed change to the Local Preference section of the Purchasing Policy. Concerns were raised that these changes could have unintended negative consequences so the Board asked the Purchasing Director to meet with the Chamber of Commerce and bring back a recommendation. This is the updated ordinance.
For transparency, as Chair of the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce Public Policy Committee, I was part of the discussions with the County.
Agenda Item 5 – Public Hearing Bella Terra PUD – to rezone 37.73 acres of land from Open Rural, Commercial General, and Commercial Intensive with conditions to Planned Unit Development for a maximum of 155 homes. Bella Terra has come before the Board in the past with other proposed zoning. Planning and Zoning Agency approved this one 5-2 at the March 7 PZA hearing.
Some of the background on past hearings:
March 7, 2023 – request to rezone 26 acres of land from Open Rural and Commercial Intensive with Conditions to PUD for 174 multi-family residential dwelling units. This request was unanimously denied by the Board.
May 25, 2023 – request for a waiver to reapply for rezoning before the required 1 year wait period.
July 18, 2023 – the Board heard the appeal and approved the waiver of the 1 year waiting period with a 3:2 vote, Joseph and Whitehurst being the no votes.
Agenda Item 6 – Fidus Warehouse & RV/Boat Storage – Request to rezone 4.7 acres from Open Rural to Industrial Warehousing with conditions to waive any right to develop the property pursuant to the Live Local Act. This has become a hot button for development. This is located at SR 16, west of Race Track Road. This should not be confused with Race Track Road on the northern border of the county.
Agenda Item 7 – ABC Fine Wine and Sprits – Appeal the PZA denial of a request to allow ABC Fine Wine and Sprits to be established within 1,000 feet of an existing church and school. Materials are here: Agenda Item 7
Agenda Item 10 – Petition to Establish the Orange Branch CDD. This CDD will serve the residential portions of The Landings at St. Johns and The Landings at Greenbriar Planned Unit Developments. Background materials are here: Agenda Item 10
The two PUDs will have a total of 1,349 single family residential units. The CDD is being established to fund improvements to the Infrastructure improvements. This means the future residents of these two communities will be responsible for the yearly CDD fees that will pay for these improvements. Improvements listed are:
Offsite Roadway and Utility Improvements (Wetland Mitigation/Earthwork/Utilities/Pavement/Storm/Electric Relocation)
Master Stormwater Drainage System (Earthwork and Stormwater Facilities)
The establishment of the CDD will grant the CDD powers to finance, fund, plan, establish, acquire, construct, reconstruct, enlarge or extend, equip, operate and maintain systems and facilities for: (1) parks and facilities for indoor and outdoor recreational, cultural, and educational uses; (2) security, including but not limited to guardhouses, fences and gates, electronic intrusion-detection systems, and patrol cars, as authorized and described in Section 190.012(2), Florida Statutes.
Screenshot
Agenda Item 11 – Presentation of the 2024 Live Local Act Glitch Bill. Recent meetings have seen concerns raised about the preemptions allowed by the Live Local Act related to the construction of multi-family developments in commercial, industrial or mixed-use lands. In 2024, the Florida Legislature approved a “glitch bill” to address some of the concerns. At the March 5 meeting the Commissioners requested an update on the Glitch Bill. The two bills are Senate Bill 328 and House Bill 7073. They are currently awaiting the Governor’s signature.
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Tuesday was a surprisingly long day, largely because of Agenda Item 6, the Heritage Park PUD, that had a large number of residents in attendance.
Note: The next Board of County Commissioner’s Meeting will be January 16, 2024.
Tuesday’s meeting began with a Recognition of Vilano Beach Main Street Board for the work they have done revitalizing Vilano Beach.
A proclamation was presenting declaring January 2024 as Human Trafficking Awareness month.
Regular Agenda Items
Public Safety Update
SJSO Director Tara Wildes provided a PSA about staying safe during the Holidays, including don’t drink and drive. She also shared that a new class of K-9s for Warriors was graduating on Tuesday with 2 dogs graduating at the jail. Inmates have worked with the program providing a needed service training the dogs and learning a skill that they can use upon their release from jail.
Fire Rescue Chief McGhee provided a PSA on charging lithium-ion batteries and recommended that they not be left unattended when charging.
Service Delivery Update
There was a lengthy Service Delivery Update that you can watch here: Service Delivery Update
Highlights included:
Library Services – Food for Fines
Parks and Recreation – the Hastings Christmas Parade, Phone Calls from Santa, and the Treecycling Program
Veterans Services – Marine Corp Toys for Tots, Firefighters for Families
Health and Human Services – Christmas Party with Santa and Mrs. Claus, provided gifts for 160 children in care.
Emergency Management – Adopted a family from Firefighters for Families
Fire Rescue – Firefighters for Families served 295 families
Director Larson shared how the Office of Public Affairs is integrated marketing communications to tell the story of the county. He highlighted how they used the great story of the historic 2023 sea turtle nesting season. Check out the video for that alone!
The Director of Library Services shared St. Johns Reads and distributed copies of the new book for the program, “The Reading List” by Sara Nisha Adams.
Regular Agenda Items
Agenda Item 1 was a presentation from the Prevention Coalition of St. Johns County on their Hidden in Plain Sight Program. This is an adult education program begun this year. The target audience is parents, grandparents and any adult caregivers of teenagers.
They also shared about how they reach out to youth to educate about the dangers of substance abuse.
The mission of the organization is about loving, nurturing, educating, and encouraging people to make better choices.
“Susan Jackson, Executive Director of PACT, has requested the opportunity to do a brief presentation to the Commission on PACT initiatives and to discuss the Hidden in Plain Sight program. The Hidden in Plain Sight trailer will be on site in the County Administration Parking lot for Commissioners and the public to participate. The cargo trailer is staged as a youth’s bedroom designed to provide eye-opening education about dozens of things that could be indicators of risky behaviors or mental health concerns. There is also a slide presentation and backpack demonstration showing parents, grandparents, and adult family members problematic things that may be hidden in plain sight.”
Agenda Item 2 – Award of RFP 23-32 Residential Solid Waste, Recycling and Yard Waste Collection Services
This presentation was a recommendation for the awarding of an RFP for Waste Collection services.
There are currently 3 contracts for solid waste collection. Two will expire July 31 of 2024 and one will expire July 31 2029. They will consolidate these contracts into one contract. This agenda item is to approve the award to FCC Environmental Services Florida, LLC.
During Public Comment, two of the competitors spoke. The Waste Management representative asked about the wisdom of changing service during hurricane season and opined that low cost does not always mean best value. The Meridian Waste Management representative asked that the county continue with 2 vendors and award the south part of the county to them.
The motion to award the bid to FCC was approved 4-1 with Commissioner Joseph being the No vote. Staff will return with a recommendation on the funding options.
Agenda Item 3 was a presentation on the Design-Build Services for a New SR 207 Water Reclamation Facility and Associated Improvements
This is to enter into a contract with Jacobs Project Management company to complete Scope 1 of Design-Build for the new 207 Water Reclamation Facility. Materials are here: Agenda Item 3
With no public comment, the motion to approve and the motion to transfer money from reserves was approved 5-0.
Agenda Item 4 – Summer Haven – Study of Summer Haven River and Surrounding Areas and Study of Summer House Erosion Findings, including potential FEMA Category B emergency protective measures.
A motion was made to have staff continue researching and come back to the Board with recommendations on how to proceed with protecting this vital area of the county. It was approved 5-0
Agenda Item 5 – Heritage Park PUD
“MAJMOD 2023-10 Heritage Park PUD, a request for a Major Modification to the Heritage Park PUD (Ord. 2000-4, as amended) to divide Parcel B into two sections (B-1 and B-2); to add 12 multifamily residential units to the allowable uses for Parcel B-2; to remove the use of a 7,200 sq ft daycare facility from the list of allowable uses on Parcel B; to provide parking and design criteria to Parcel B-2 for the proposed 12 multi-family units; and to provide a revised MDP Text and Map, specifically located at 227 Hefferon Drive.”
The motion to approve the report was passed with a 4-1 vote, with Commissioner Joseph being the no vote.
Key slides are below:
Commissioner’s Reports
Commissioner Joseph shared her appreciation of the people who spoke in Public Comment supporting her. She wished everyone Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas; expressing hope for the New Year.
Commissioner Alaimo congratulated the St. Augustine High School Football team for making it to the finals. Even though they didn’t win, it was a great accomplishment to get there. He also congratulated Dylan Rumrell for being elected as St. Augustine Mayor for the coming year. He asked staff to research the concerns raised during Public Comment about dues paid to the Library Association. And he asked if the staff could be awarded an extra day off for the Holiday in appreciation for their hard work this year. By consensus, the staff will have that extra day off this coming week.
Commissioner Whitehurst wished everyone a Merry Christmas
Commissioner Dean expressed appreciation for the good dialog on Tuesday and the ability to focus on the important elements of the people’s business; the reclamation facility, the solid waste collection, and the eco-system.
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During the Public Safety Update, Director Martin from the SJSO shared some of the mental health initiatives they are engaged in, including working with inmates pre-release to prepare them for success upon release. They are seeing good results here. They also have a partnership with Social Services to engage a mental health specialist jwith first responders to address these related issues.
The Supervisor of Elections shared some important updates. Every mailbox in St. Johns County should have received the new voters election guide. They are doing their bi-annual voter list maintenance, as required under new state laws. Every voter who has not voted in the last 2 General Elections gets a notice asking them to update their information. In St. Johns County that notice went to 17,000 registered voters. They received 1500 responses with a good portion of the notices being returned for a bad address. For voters who did not respond, or their correspondence was returned, they will be marked as “inactive” voters. If they show up to vote in a 2024 or 2026 election, poll workers will confirm they are a St. Johns County resident and they will be returned to the active voter rolls. If they do not vote in these elections, they will be dropped from the voting rolls. We currently have 213,00 registered voters in St. Johns County. A question was asked about the use of drop boxes. Ms. Oakes shared that all drop off boxes are located inside early voting locations and can only be accessed for drop off of ballots during manned hours.
She also reminded citizens that they are welcome to schedule a tour of the Supervisor of Elections offices where they can learn about the process. I have done this tour and highly recommend it!
Commissioner Dean asked to move Consent Agenda Item 30, Six Month Extension of Tourism Marketing Contract from the Consent Agenda to Regular Agenda Discussion.
Commissioner Dean’s concern was that the 6 month extension was not sufficient. This was discussed and a 12 month extension was approved unanimously during the Regular Agenda items.
Regular Agenda Items
Agenda Item 1 is in District 2, Elevation Pointe was approved 4-1 with Commissioner Joseph being. the no vote. The request was to increase wetland impacts with a decrease in preserved wetlands, open space, and upland buffers and was driven by the addition of a Publix supermarket as a tenant in the shopping center.
Agenda Item 2, also in District 2, was the Deer Run Road PUD. This request to rezone 25 acres of land from Open Rural to Planned Unit Development for 26 duplexes, total of 52 dwelling units was denied unanimously. Concerns noted were the additional traffic on Holmes Blvd and Four Mile Road and impact to schools.
Agenda Item 3 is in District 5. The Whole 9 Yards is in the Airport District was to rezone 1.37 acres of land from Open Rural to Industrial Warehousing. Many of the same concerns from local residents were voiced at the BOCC meeting. Commissioner Dean noted that this business has been operating for 7 years and is seeking. tocorrect the zoning to reflect the usage. They added some conditions of operation and the project was approved 5-0.
Agenda Item 6 was a combined public hearing item including the Approval of the 2023 Inventory List of Land available for Affordable Housing in St. Johns County and the available affordable housing strategies through the Live Local Act that passed in the 2023 Legislative session.
This is an important topic for addressing attainable housing in St. Johns County.
A review of the inventory list shows almost 300 properties, many of them in West Augustine, Elkton, and the Armstrong area. During Public Comment questions were asked about how to make this inventory of properties available for affordable housing. Many have been on the inventory for years but there is not sufficient infrastructure to support building on the property.
County Owned Property available for affordable housingCRA/County Owned Property available for affordable housing
Also during public comment was noted that affordable housing, with government assistance, is targeted. for individuals making between 30-60% of Area Median Income (AMI.) In St. Johns County that is the range of $37,000 to $70,000. It is impotant to note that in St. Johns County that range includes our teachers, deputies, firefighters, and other public workers as well as many other employees in the service industry.
During discussion on the Live Local Act, Commissioner Alaimo indicated he would like to have staff research and bring back an Ad Valorem tax exemption for affordable housing, similar. to what was done in Clay County.
The motion to bring back an ordinance around the tax exemption was approved 4-1, with the no vote from Commissioner Joseph.
This is a very complex and sensitive topic. I encourage you to watch the full presentation and discussion at this link: Agenda Item 6
This partnership would allow a nonprofit oganization, Cultural Events, Inc. to operate the St. Augustine Ampitheater, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall and local cultural events like Sing Out Loud. andthe Fort Mose Jazz & Blues Series. This was approved unanimously
Agenda Item 9 was the Second Reading of Proposed Amendments to the St. Johns County prohibited Holiday Activity Ordinance for Sexual Offenders and Sexual Predators, followed by Agenda Item 10, the Second Reading of the Proposed Amendments to the Child Safety Zone Ordinance. Both were approved 5-0.
Agenda Item 11 is a Proposed Settlement of Lupoli v. St. Johns County and Guilmar, LLC Litigation and Statutory Demand. This stems from a lawsuit filed by residents as a result of a denial decision made by the Board of County Commissioners in 2022. Settlement Proposal.
The Board approved the settlement that will have a payment of $450,000 to Guilmar and $30,000 for attorney fees.
This was a reminder that the Board of Commissioner can put the county at risk of a lawsuit if their project denials are not based in sound legal facts.
Agenda Item 12 is to consider the proposed 2024 St. Johns County Legislative Action Plan. You can read the presentation here: SJC Legislative Agenda Proposal
During discussion, Commissioner Dean asked to add an item to the priority list. This would be to request funds for renourishment of a small section of beach south of Ponte Vedra Beach.
During the discussion, there was conversation about the priority of asking the Legislative Delegation to work on modifying the PECO (Public Education Capital Outlay) requirements for rapidly growing counties like St. Johns County. Mr. Tecler, who was giving. the presentation, noted that this has been discussed with the folks. inTallahassee previously and again this year. There. are indications it is being looked at closely.
Commissioner Whitehurst spoke about coordinating with the School District in this effort and getting them on board with supporting the change.
Here are some highlights from the presentation:
Improve the Transportation Infrastructure
East-West Corridors Upgrade State Road 16, County Road 210, State Road 208, State Road 207, and State Road 206 to provide traffic relief, improve connectivity, fortify hurricane evacuation routes, and enhance safety for motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
North-South Corridors Address overcapacity along US 1 and I-95 and strengthen connectivity between employment centers and residential communities by completing extensions of County Road 2209, State Road 312/313, and related connectors.
State Road 16 St. Johns County requests $20 million in state appropriations to design and construct a new 4-lane divided roadway with a multiuse path from International Golf Parkway to I-95
Strengthening Community Resilience
Fire safety improvements
Beach stabilization and renourishment
Youth Mental Health
Changes in state laws around distance of commercial sales of nicotine products to schools
Youth Sports
Sustaining Economic Prosperity
Vilano Beach Street Improvements
World Golf Village Hall of Fame site improvements
School Capacity – importantly “School Capacity St. Johns County requests the Legislature identify and modify provisions of law and/or administrative rules that may limit the construction of new school facilities, or tie the authorization of construction of new schools to existing school capacity. Additional flexibility will facilitate strategic planning for high-growth districts.”
Revisions to the Live Local Act. “Affordable Housing Compatibility Revise the Live Local Act to restore local government review of multifamily housing projects proposed for land zoned for commercial or industrial uses.”
Hastings Water infrastructure
Unfunded Mandates – “Request the Legislature oppose legislation that requires utilities to expend funds providing information, reports, or other documents to the State without providing a funding source for development of those reports. Specifically, the Legislature should pay careful attention to unfunded reporting mandates related to SB 712 (2020), HB 53 (2021), SB 64 (2021), and HB 1379 (2023).”
Protecting Natural and Historic Resources
Historic Farming Communities
Consider the City of St. Augustine as a location for the State Museum of BlackHistory
Commissioner’s Reports
Commissioner Joseph shared she would like to consider a rollback for millage for the 2025 budget.
Commissioner Alaimo thanked staff for their work on the ceremony recognizing the 200th Anniversary. ofthe Treat of Moultrie Creek.
Commissioner Dean shared that Lowe’s Lumber is opening a new store at US1 and CR 210, provigind 300 new jobs. He also formalized the requst to staff to arrange a meeting between the Board and the School Board to discuss support for revising the PECO funding statute.
Commissioner Arnold expressed appreciation for the work staff did on the Hasting Library meeting “re-do” and encouraged residents. toattend the World Golf Village workshops. onSeptember 27 and 28.
Commissioner Whitehurst expressed concerns about new preemption bills that may come up in the 2024 Legislative session. He wants the county to work with the Florida Association of Counties to push back on these bills.
County Administrator Report
Interim County Administrator Joy Andrews requested and received received unanimous approval to appoint Jamie Locklear as Director of Purchasing. She also shared a new website for the Hastings community as they work on the comprehensive plan.
Last item for the day was the second Public Hearing of the millage rates and 2024 Fiscal Year Budget.
The Board unanimously approved the final budget of $1,665,664,624. Included in the budget are funds for 45 new firefighters, add 35 hours to Libraries for Sunday and Monday operations and a $18 assessment for solid waste collections.
The Board unanimously adopted a millage rate of 6.8265%.
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The meeting started off with a statement from Chair Matovina that the Ponte Vedra Resort PUD would not be heard and has been continued to September 21.
For those interested in this PUD, there are other important meetings associated with this PUD review:
Sept 6, 5:00 PM, the Architectural Review Committee Meeting at the Sawgrass Mariott
Sept 11, 11:00 AM, the Ponte Vedra Planning and Adjustment Board at the County Auditorium, 500 San Sebastian View, St. Augustine
Sept 21, the Planning and Zoning Agency Meeting, time certain of 10:00, at the County Auditorium, 500 San Sebastian View, St. Augustine (subject to change.)
Nov 7 – the Board of County Commissioners meeting, 9:00 at the County Auditorium, 500 San Sebastian View, St. Augustine (subject to change.)
Mr. Matovina then shared some additional information for the Board. These items are reported as recorded in the meeting transcript with some editing for grammar:
“I want to make sure that we all understand that staff doesn’t work for us. We don’t give instructions to staff. They work for the St. Johns County Manager who ten reports to the board so I think that, that is something we should understand. There is a lot of discussion about that item. And staff should not be asked to take direction from us. So that is number one.
Number two, I want to point out, the potential for conflict of interest. Because when we think of conflict of interest, we normally think of a monetary situation. Several that I have declared have been because DR Horton is my biggest customer.
If they have a rezoning up here, I clearly should declare a conflict of interest. But there are nonmonetary conflicts of interest. If you live next door to the development, you have a nonmonetary conflict of interest because you live next door to it. Our charge is to not only avoid an actual conflict of interest but also the perception of a conflict of interest.
So, I think thse are all things that are important for us to remember. Because there is going to be a lot of controversy surrounding this particular item on the 21st. And we could potentially, you know, put any decision that is made in danger by not following rules that we are supposed to follow.
So, That’s all I have to say about that matter.”
Items on the Regular Agenda
The first two items were minor and did not have extensive discussion. Approved by the PZA were a Zoning Variance in District 5 and a Minor Modification in District 4 to allow a Rear Yard setback to accommodate a swimming pool.
Item 3, in District 2
Elevation Pointe – Request for a Major Modification to the Elevation Pointe at Anderson Park PUD (Ordinance 1996-66, as amended) to increase wetland impacts with a corresponding decrease in preserved wetlands, open space and upland buffers; increase development area; reconfigure commercial outparcels; and decrease approved commercial entitlements from 190,000 SF to 170,000 SF.
“APPLICATION SUMMARY This is a request to modify the Elevation Pointe at Anderson Park PUD in order to accommodate a planned Publix Supermarket within the commercial portion of the development. The use is proposed at the corner of the future realigned CR 208 and SR 16. The applicant is seeking to reconfigure the commercial outparcels to allow for the use, which will result in additional impacts to adjoining wetlands and open space areas due to an increase in the development area. The applicant also proposes to decrease allowed commercial square footage within the PUD from a maximum 190,000 square feet to 170,000 square feet.”
Aerial view of the Elevation Pointe project
Included in the package for Thursday is a summary of comments received from the Public prior to the meeting.
“PHONE CALLS/CORRESPONDENCE Staff has received several phone calls regarding the proposed Major Modification. A majority of the calls were informational in nature with no stated objections. Several residential property owners to the west have called to express concerns about the proposed impacts to the wetlands, and the possibility of exacerbating drainage issues in the area. Several members of the public have also voiced frustration with regard to another Publix supermarket being built along SR 16, which would be the third Publix located along the SR 16 corridor between I-95 and International Golf Parkway. Staff noted to these callers that the County is unable to prohibit specific businesses from occupying designated commercial properties if the proposed use is allowed by right within the development.”
Whole 9 Yards. Request to rezone approximately 1.37 acres of land from Open Rural (OR) to Industrial Warehousing (IW), located at 5285 Big Oak Road S. This is property located in the Airport District.
Several residents spoke against this development because of the impact on the residential nature of the area.
There was quite a bit of discussion about what is allowed in the Airport District. Of note, the Airport Authority will need to review this item before it is presented to the Commissioners in September.
The application was denied by the PZA.
Item 5, in District 2
Deer Run Road PUD. Request to Rezone approximately 25.12 acres of land from Open Rural (OR) to Planned Unit Development (PUD) to allow up to 26 duplexes for a total of 52 dwelling units, specifically located at 2380 Deer Run Road, 1109 Fazio Road, and 1150 Fazio Road.
This development appears to represent more much needed attainable housing in St. Johns County.
“APPLICATION SUMMARY The Applicant is seeking to rezone approximately 25.12 acres of land from Open Rural (OR) to Planned Unit Development (PUD) to allow for a maximum of 52 dwelling units consisting of 26 residential duplexes. The applicant asserts that the development will provide multi-family housing options for residents that are employed at the area businesses near the SR 16 and I-95 corridor at a price that they can afford. The applicant points out that the proposed duplexes will provide a more affordable and lower maintenance option as compared to single-family homes without the higher density of multi-family townhomes and apartments.” Deer Run Road Presentation
Aerial view of Deer Run Road project location
Questions were asked of the applicant if this was truly Workforce Housing. They indicated they did not know the threshold for Workforce Housing. When told that the threshold was $260,000, the acknowledge this is not workforce housing but at a range of $300,000 would be more affordable than other homes in the area.
Local residents objected to the development because of the impact on traffic on 4-Mile Road.
After discussion, this was approved 3-2.
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Beth Tate 