High Springs Railroad Avenue Property Rezoning

HIGH SPRINGS ‒ The High Springs City Commission has approved on first reading rezoning requests for some 53 acres of property. Two related ordinances to amend the City’s official zoning map were heard in quasi-judicial public hearings during the Aug. 13 City Commission meeting.

The first to be considered was Ordinance 2020-07/Z 20-01 submitted by Jarrod Ryan Hingson and Crystal Courtney Hingson. Their application requested the City amend the Land Development Code’s Official Zoning Map from “IND” Industrial to R-1 Residential on 20.06 acres. According to the City, water is available on the property, but sewer access is not. This application received unanimous approval by the Commission.

The second amendment under consideration was Ordinance 2020-09/Z 20-03 submitted by Woodland III Ltd. The application requested the City amend the Land Development Code’s Official Zoning Map from “IND” Industrial to C-3 Commercial of 32.98 acres of land bordering the road known as Railroad Avenue in High Springs.

According to Fire Chief Bruce Gillingham, this property was heard and approved in 2006. The item was submitted to the Department of Community Affairs but was tabled and swept up with Industrial-Commercial (Mixed Use) C3 zoning. This zoning request is consistent with the property to the north of it.

Dennis Lee appeared on behalf of Woodland III Ltd. Both he and Gillingham said there was sewer access on Railroad Avenue.

One commissioner expressed concern with the rezoning, with Commissioner Nancy Lavin commenting that the area is surrounded by residential properties. In response, Lavin was reassured that the change was compatible with the surrounding area. Commissioner Scott Jamison said the Commission would have to approve any development on that property.

The proposed amendment received unanimous approval on first reading.

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