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Over Development in St. Johns County?

“By far, the greatest percent of land area that will become developed … is in the Central Florida region, but Northeast Florida follows that,” Carr said.

Editor’s Note:

Since the inception of Spoonbill Courier just more than two years ago, the publication has encouraged March Creek homeowners to use its pages to showcase their creative talents, and within reason, to voice concerns on matters of import to their neighbors. Homeowner Michael Read wants to draw our attention to what he, and many of St. Johns County residents, believe to be runaway development of this stretch of Northeast Florida.

On September 14, Florida Today published a story around these same concerns. The headline read “Study: A third of Florida will be covered in development by 2070”, and the body contained the quote cited above. (Click here to read it)

The rest of this story now belongs to Michael Read

By Michael Read

I’m sure most Marsh Creekers are aware of, and often complain about, the hasty, uncontrolled development in and surrounding St. Augustine. Two days ago I received news of seven new development proposals to be brought before county commissioners between now and November. 

St. Johns County already has 63,000 approved homes that have not yet been built, and now 7,435 new homes and apartments are being proposed. (This number doesn’t include the recently approved 5,600-home Silver Leaf expansion). Most of the development is at various locations along SR16, and some in more rural areas within St. Johns County. More details can be found on the Fight for St. Johns County Facebook page.

Even when these developments are not close to Marsh Creek, we will be negatively impacted: the additional and expanded roads (for which we will be taxed) will increase traffic in and out of St. Augustine; the increased consumption and pollution of water and deforestation will eventually affect us all.

I have been urged, and in turn I urge all concerned Marsh Creekers, to consider writing emails opposing all new developments in St. Johns County. 

I have personally sent the following plea:

Please oppose ALL developments in St. Johns County! Our county is already suffering from hasty, uncontrolled development. And citizens living in St. Johns County should not pay taxes to help finance these irresponsible developments that negatively impact our community. Represent the people rather than developers and consider long-term consequences for all rather than short-term profit for a few.

If you agree, emails should be sent to the following individuals and administrative bodies.

(The list includes the Planning and Zoning Agency Board (PZA) and the Board of County Commissioners (BCC)):

bcc1cwhitehurst@sjcfl.us

bcc2sarnold@sjcfl.us

bcc3pwaldron@sjcfl.us

bcc4jblocker@sjcfl.us

bcc5hdean@sjcfl.us

pza1@sjcfl.us

pza2@sjcfl.us

pza3@sjcfl.us

pza4@sjcfl.us

pza5@sjcfl.us

pza6@sjcfl.us.

Attend the BCC hearings on Sept. 20, Oct. 4 and Oct. 8 to oppose the proposed developments. The hearings take place at 9 am at the St. Johns County Administrative Building, 500 San Sebastian View, St. Augustine.

I also received an email from the South Anastasia Communities Association (SACA) requesting I attend a subsequent county commission meeting on Sept. 20 at 10:30am, 90 minutes later, in the same building, this one to oppose the Elkton Industrial Proposal.

(One hearing at 9 am and another at 10:30 the same day—indicative of the hasty rate of development?)

Thank you for your support,

Michael Read

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2 thoughts on “Over Development in St. Johns County?

  1. Most people here have not been through a huge hurricane. Banks and insurance companies are and will be raising rates. Morgage rates have just doubled. Social habits on how we consume items has changed. Schools are and will be going more remote every year. I think it will start by decreasing the days in school and moving classes to online, and the military is changing to more drones and less human involvement. Land owners should have the right to take risks with the land that they own, including building homes,but if those investments lose money on investing or building new projects, it stands to reason that they will eventually stop building. Disney was built in a swamp and it turned out to be a successful venture , it will be interesting to see how many people think they are as smart as Walt.

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