NEWBERRY – Newberry city commissioners approved a series of land-use and infrastructure measures during their May 26 meeting, including final approval of a large-scale land-use amendment that clears the way for a proposed 500-home residential development west of the city.
Sandia West moves forward
Commissioners unanimously adopted, on second reading, a large-scale Future Land Use Map amendment changing approximately 160 acres from Agriculture to Residential, Low Density, allowing up to four dwelling units per acre.
The application was submitted by NVS Global Inc. on behalf of property owner SMD Equity LLC. The property is located west of Sandia Town Park and Champions Park, approximately one-quarter mile north of Southwest 46th Avenue/County Road 28 and one-quarter mile west of U.S. Highway 27/41 and State Road 45.
The land, currently used for grazing, is planned as the site of Sandia West, a proposed 500-unit single-family residential subdivision.
City officials said the amendment allows for a stand-alone Planned Residential Development that will provide 500 single-family homes.
Freddie Warmack Park, annexed properties approved
Commissioners also approved two ordinances related to Freddie Warmack Park.
The first amended the city’s Future Land Use Map by changing the designation on city-owned property from Recreation to Public Facilities. The second rezoned the park property from Residential Single Family-1 to Public Facilities.
In separate actions, commissioners unanimously approved a large-scale Future Land Use amendment and corresponding rezoning for four parcels annexed into the city under Annexation No. 40.
The land-use amendment changed the designation of the properties from Alachua County Rural/Agriculture to City of Newberry Agriculture. The affected parcels are identified as tax parcels 01765-001-000, 01770-000-000, 01772-000-000 and 01772-001-000.
A companion ordinance rezoned the same properties from Alachua County Planned Development to City of Newberry Agricultural.
Commissioners also approved on first reading an ordinance intended to standardize and formally codify city procedures for acquiring and disposing of real property.
Roundabout agreement approved
Beyond land-use matters, the commission approved an interlocal agreement with Alachua County for construction of the Newberry Lane/County Road 235 roundabout.
City Manager Jordan Marlowe said Alachua County has “jumped on” construction of the project in hopes of completing the roundabout before the start of the next school year.
Marlowe also reported that a $250,000 state appropriation for the city’s planned fire training facility has cleared the legislative budget process and now awaits consideration by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Champions Park South discussion continues
The commission also began discussing future plans for Champions Park South, including the types of athletic fields that should be developed at the site.
Parks and Recreation Director Rod Clark asked commissioners to consider whether the facility should emphasize youth sports, adult recreation, multi-purpose fields or sports tourism events designed to attract visitors and generate overnight stays.
The discussion also touched on balancing community recreation needs with the city’s growing investment in sports tourism.
No decisions were made, and Mayor Tim Marden suggested the topic be addressed during a future workshop or special meeting. No date was set.
Other business
During staff reports, Marlowe informed commissioners that vacancies exist on the Alachua County Transportation Disadvantaged Coordinating Board and directed interested residents to the Central Florida Regional Planning Council website for information. He identified Lynn Fransen as the contact person for the board.
Commissioner Tony Mazon reported that approximately 70 to 75 people attended the most recent movie night at the Martin Luther King Jr. Center. He also announced that the Main Street Organization plans to host splash events on Seaboard Drive on June 15, July 10 and Aug. 7.
The next regular meeting of the Newberry City Commission is scheduled for June 22 at 7 p.m.
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