Newberry Explores Roads and Land To Support Growth

NEWBERRY ‒ At its Dec. 9, 2024, the Newberry City Commission heard updates about a road maintenance program. Peter Napoli of Stantec presented an overview of a proposed Road Maintenance Assessment Program in response to the Commission’s request during the FY 2025 budget process. Napoli outlined how non-ad valorem special assessments could generate revenue to maintain and improve roads and other infrastructure.

Napoli detailed the two-pronged legal test required to impose such assessments. There must be a special benefit and fair apportionment. The special benefit is applicable if the property derives a tangible benefit from the improvements. The fair apportionment benefit requires that the assessment be distributed equitably among the properties receiving the benefit.

Using Newberry’s residential and non-residential property data, Napoli proposed a calculation model. He provided examples of ways in which the properties might benefit from the assessment and subsequent improvement. One assessment calculation listed a benefit of 4,754 assessment units with the total revenue needed for road improvements at $1.325 million. Residential properties were assessed per parcel while non-residential properties were assessed per 1,000 square feet of space. He calculated the amount per parcel and per 1,000 sq. ft. at $278 per year.

Napoli outlined collection methods of direct billing or inclusion on the property tax rolls via the Alachua County Tax Collector. The City will host a workshop on Dec. 16, 2024 to discuss the proposal further. No vote was taken at this meeting.

In other business, the Commission unanimously approved a preliminary plat for Country Way South Phase 2. A Quasi-Judicial public hearing addressed the application by CHW, acting on behalf of Norfleet Properties LLP, to approve construction plans for Phase 2 of the Country Way South subdivision. The 10.22-acre project will feature 35 single-family homes and a common area west of U.S. 27/State Road 45. Advisory comments accompanying the plat approval included provision of lift station details and compliance with FDOT lighting standards for site and street lighting. Additional comments included resolution of electric design at construction plan approval and inclusion of a perimeter buffer in the construction plan.

After the regular commission meeting, the Commission transitioned into a CRA meeting. CRA Coordinator Uma Sarmistha introduced Chelsea Bakaitis as the new CRA Specialist, highlighting her previous experience.

Sarmistha presented a market analysis by Downtown Strategies, a consultant who was hired to help develop an action plan for Newberry downtown/CRA. Mayor Jordan Marlowe expressed disappointment in the analysis, citing a lack of implementation strategies.

In final business of the evening and by unanimous vote, the Commission authorized the City Manager to offer $101,000 for land along Seaboard Drive. This property is expected to play a key role in future redevelopment initiatives.

#     #     #

Email cwalker@

alachuatoday.com