Newberry Approves Comprehensive Plan And Charter School Funding

NEWBERRY – The Newberry City Commission convened for a special meeting on Monday, Nov. 18, 2024, to tackle two key agenda items: a first reading of an ordinance amending the City’s Comprehensive Plan and a letter of financial support for the Newberry Charter School application.

Comprehensive Plan Update Moves Forward

Director of Community Development Stacey Hectus and CHW Executive Vice President Gerry Dedenbach presented the latest updates to the City’s Comprehensive Plan. Their overview highlighted the extensive public engagement process and outlined a timeline for finalizing the document.

The commission unanimously approved the transmittal of the plan to the Florida Department of Commerce's Community Planning, Development, and Services division for review. The state’s review process, which can take up to 45 days, will determine whether any revisions are needed. The plan is expected to return to Newberry in January 2025, with potential adoption as early as February, pending state feedback.

Charter School Secures City Support

The commission also addressed a request for financial backing from the Newberry Community School. Board Chair Derek Danne sought a $2,201,000 funding commitment from the City to support the establishment of the Newberry Charter School.

The funding includes an initial $200,000 for the application process with the Florida Charter Review Commission, with the remaining $2,001,000 to be disbursed upon official approval of the application by the Florida Charter Review Commission, in accordance with a formal loan agreement. Danne noted that the application is due by Nov. 26, 2024, and anticipated an approval decision by February 2025.

Danne assured the Commission that as successful grant funds are awarded, the City of Newberry will be reimbursed toward the $2,201,000 loan, positioning the funding as a financial safeguard. Following public comments, where six residents expressed support and three opposed the measure, the Commission unanimously approved the letter of financial support.

Additional Announcements

City Manager Mike New informed attendees that three seats on the Planning and Zoning Board will soon be open. Interested residents are encouraged to apply. He also announced plans to install lights at the Easton soccer fields.

Mayor Jordan Marlowe reminded the community of CLF Church’s “Thanksgiving in the Park” event on Nov. 24 from 11 a.m. to 12 noon. The event, offering boxed Thanksgiving meals, will be held at 120 N.W. 260^th Street in Newberry.

Upcoming Meetings

The next regular City Commission meeting is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, at 7 p.m., followed by a Board of Adjustment meeting. A City Roads Workshop will be held on Dec. 16, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. The Planning and Zoning Board will not meet this month.

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