Newberry Challenges County’s Proposed Charter Amendment

ALACHUA ‒ In a press release, the City of Newberry has announced its intentions to file a lawsuit challenging Alachua County’s proposed Charter Amendment, which states that it would establish a County Growth Management Area.

Newberry officials say that the amendment, if implemented, eliminates the ability of municipalities to determine land uses that allow them to chart their unique course of development and differentiate themselves from other communities. The amendment adversely affects the ability of the City to determine the appropriate land use within its jurisdiction and is adverse to the fundamentals of home rule. The City believes that locally elected officials make the best decisions about their own community.

The City contends that the ballot title and the ballot summary for the proposed Charter Amendment are misleading, contain improper political rhetoric, and fail to adequately inform the voters of the chief purposes and material components of the proposed Charter Amendment.  As a result, voters will not be able to make an informed decision in casting their vote on this Charter Amendment.

The City is requesting the Court to declare that the ballot title and the ballot summary for the proposed Charter Amendment violate State Law, and grant injunctive relief striking the ballot title and the ballot summary from the 2020 General Election ballot, enjoin the Supervisor of Elections from counting the votes for the referendum relating to the proposed Charter Amendment, enjoin the Supervisor of Elections from certifying the results of the referendum relating to the proposed Charter Amendment, and enjoin the County from enforcing the proposed Charter Amendment, in the event that the measure is approved by the voters.

Due to the fact that this matter is currently before the Court, the City asserts it will not be making further statements regarding this case

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