Newberry May Update Urban Services Map

NEWBERRY ‒ The Newberry Planning and Zoning Board conducted a public hearing on June 5 to consider an ordinance amending the City’s Urban Services Area (USA) boundary to follow distinct parcel lines. Planning and Economic Development Director Bryan Thomas presented a map showing the proposed modifications to the USA boundary.

The USA boundary is the area in which the City proposes development will occur and is designed to prevent urban sprawl. “The Urban Services Area is the area in which the City encourages development,” said Newberry Mayor Jordan Marlowe. Defining the USA helps to ensure responsible growth, explained Marlowe.

The current USA boundary edges cut through some properties so the owners are unsure whether they are in or out of the USA. The proposed changes will refine the edges of the boundary by including the entire property when the majority of a parcel is inside the boundary.

The proposed changes increase the USA area no more than five percent.

Board members voted unanimously to recommend approval of the proposed ordinance to the City Commission.

In other Planning and Zoning Board business Naim Erched, who has been serving as the Board Chair for the past three years, was presented with a plaque commemorating his service to the Board.

Board members voted unanimously to elect Donald Long as Chair Pro Tem and Kathy Thomas as Vice Chair Pro Tem.

Due to date conflicts with upcoming holidays, Board members agreed to meet July 17 at 6 p.m. and Sept. 5, also at 6 p.m.

In announcements, the Safe Haven Baby Box is proposed to be installed at the Newberry Fire Station in approximately three weeks and the City will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate the installation. The Safe Haven Baby Box initiative offers a safe, anonymous option for parents in crisis to surrender their newborns in a secure, warm and medically-equipped environment. The Baby Box also immediately alerts a series of first responders that a baby has been left in the box.

Member Long announced the upcoming 2023 Aviation Academy, hosted by the 100 Black Men of Greater Florida GNV, Inc. This event is for children 12 – 18 years of age and will take place at the Gainesville Airport on June 23-24. Children will become airborne at this event as they learn about the world of aviation.

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