Commission Gives Nod to Savannah Station Final Plat

ALACHUA ‒ The Alachua City Commission Monday considered the final plat for Savannah Station 2C subdivision located north of Savannah Station Phase I and Pilot Forest subdivisions, west of the Shady Lane Acres and Interstate 75, and east of Northwest County Road 235. Phase 2C is the final portion of the already established subdivision.

Property developer and owner, Gloria's Way, is requesting to add 43 lots on a 9.3-acre plot, with associated right-of-way and common areas. The preliminary plat for Savannah Station Phase II was originally approved by the City Commission on Feb.12, 2019 and allowed for up to 180 houses with a maximum of four house per acre.

This request for the last part of the project is distinct from what has already been developed. As part of the approval the City would receive an irrevocable letter of credit from Gloria’s Way, LLC in the amount of $1,397,528 as the surety instrument for infrastructure improvements, other than sidewalks. The City would also accept a letter of credit from Gloria’s Way, LLC for $116,483 as the surety instrument for sidewalks.

Development of Savannah Station 2C involves removal of trees, that in accordance with the City’s Land Development Regulations (LDRs), requires replacement mitigation of those trees. The number of trees proposed for removal would require 873 replacement trees to be planted. The approved Construction Plans for Savannah Station Phase 2B and 2C propose to provide a total of 48 replacement trees on-site. The remainder would be planted elsewhere as off-site mitigation in accordance with the City’s LDRs.

Off-site mitigation trees may be planted in City-owned properties and parks, City rights-of-way, preservation or conservation areas owned by the City, and within medians and rights-of-way of State and County roads The cost for tree replacement and off-site mitigation must be paid by the developer prior to the start of construction on the final Phase 2C. The required payment for the off-site mitigation will amount to $128,434.

In other business, students from Irby Elementary School were recognized by the City Commission. The students currently have their artwork, “Fall Trees,” on display in the lobby of City Hall. Six students attended the meeting with their parents and were presented with a certificate by Mayor Gib Coerper and their picture taken with the full Commission.

In a related school matter, School Crossing Guard Appreciation Day is recognized annually throughout Florida. Crossing guards are vigilant at keeping students safe from harm as they monitor intersections and assist students cross roadways on school days. In recognition of school crossing guards in Alachua, Coerper read a proclamation officially declaring Feb. 4 as Crossing Guard Appreciation Day. He said that the proclamation is a gesture of gratitude for those who dedicate their service by ensuring the safety of children as they commute to and from school. Alachua Chief of Police Jesse Sandusky commended crossing guards for their invaluable service and dedication to the children of the community.

Alachua is scheduled to receive an estimated $33,507 through a potential settlement over opioid litigation. On April 13, 2021 the City received a letter from the Office of the State of Florida Attorney General regarding ongoing opioid litigation between the State and a number of defendants. The letter provided an update regarding the litigation and potential settlement for damage caused by opioid addiction.

The City Commission adopted a resolution authorizing Alachua County to act on behalf of the City to maximize any recovery from the litigation. The State has now reached a settlement with two companies. Both settlements are estimated to provide a combined total of $33,507 to the City of Alachua over an 18-year payout horizon. Funds received by the City are to be used for strategies, programming and services used to expand the availability of treatment for individuals impacted by substance abuse disorders, including education/awareness activities.

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