Alachua Gives Initial Nod to Major Subdivision

ALACHUA ‒ On July 23, 2024, the Alachua City Commission granted preliminary plat approval for the 198-acre Tara Forest West development, which will feature 523 single-family homes along with common areas and right-of-way to be constructed in six phases. Approval came with a 3-1 vote by the Commission.

The proposed development is situated east of the Tara Forest East and Tara Baywood subdivisions, north of U.S. Highway 441, and south of the Dogwood Acres subdivision. The lot sizes will range from 7,294 square feet to 19,841 square feet, with most lots estimated to be around 7,500 square feet.

The meeting saw considerable attendance from Dogwood Acres residents, six of whom voiced their concerns regarding the development. A total of eight people expressed their disapproval of the proposed development. These concerns included the potential loss of the area's rural character, increased traffic congestion, environmental impacts on Mill Creek Sink, light and sound pollution, and the loss of wildlife.

The City of Alachua Planning and Zoning Board had previously voted 3-1 on June 11, 2024, to forward the application to the City Commission with a recommendation to approve. An additional condition was included regarding the placement of fencing along the project's border with Dogwood Acres. The Board also voted 3-1 in favor of a special exception permitting stormwater ponds in areas zoned for agriculture.

Historically, the property has been used for agriculture and silviculture, with pine trees planted from 2004 until 2020 when they were harvested. Before 2004, the site featured open pasture with scattered tree lines and wooded areas dating back to 1964.

Residents expressed concerns about the loss of the small rural community feel, increased traffic congestion, environmental impacts on the nearby Mill Creek Sink, light and sound pollution, and loss of wildlife. In response, JBrown Professional Group, Inc., representing the property owner Tara Forest, LLC, addressed environmental concerns by highlighting retention basins designed to filter and treat stormwater runoff from both the new development and Dogwood Acres. The preliminary plat includes 13 common areas, with the largest on the west side serving as stormwater retention and detention areas, as well as housing amenities such as pools, a splashpad, tennis and basketball courts and pavilions for the development.

To address concerns about lot sizes and density, the City of Alachua Land Development Regulations (LDRs) require that lots abutting Dogwood Acres be larger than other lots in the development. Most of these lots, except for Lot 468, will be at least 10,000 square feet in size and 100 feet in width. Additionally, a fence will be installed between Tara Forest West and Dogwood Acres.

The development will feature one access connection to U.S. Highway 441 completed during Phase 1, with an additional connection required by Phase 4. Further interconnections will be made as the project and adjacent developments (Tara Forest East, Tara Baywood, and Tara Phoenicia) progress.

Tara Forest West will connect to City of Alachua potable water and wastewater facilities. An impact analysis on public facilities, including transportation, potable water, sanitary sewer, solid waste, and public schools, has been conducted and meets the requirements set by governing agencies.

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