Newberry, County Hit Bumps in Road Talks

NEWBERRY ‒ The Newberry City Commission and the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners convened for a joint special meeting on Monday at the IFAS building located at 22712 West Newberry Road, to discuss four key items of mutual interest: updates on the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), the possible use of City buildings by the County, road improvements for Southwest 15^th Avenue, and the presentation of the Phoenix Award for Life-Saving Excellence.

Newberry Senior Planner and CRA Coordinator Uma Sarmistha presented a progress report on the city’s CRA, which launched in 2021. She outlined ongoing and future projects from the Downtown 5-Year Plan, which include the Façade Grant Program, Barry Park beautification, Hitchcock’s Pond landscaping, Seaboard Drive land acquisition, implementation of a Downtown Strategy Plan, a mural/community art project, annual Christmas downtown decorations, the Northwest 260^th Street construction project, Southwest 254^th reconstruction, and community festivals.

Sarmistha reported that the total budget for the fiscal year 2024–25 is $1.7 million, with the base year taxable value in 2020 at $36.1 million, which has since grown to $86.2 million. “The current year tax increment value is $50.2 million,” she said.

Interim City Manager Dallas Lee informed commissioners that smaller City buildings would become available in September or October when the new City Hall is completed. City commissioners suggested that the spaces could be used for a tag renewal office or driver’s license renewal office to save residents a trip to Gainesville.

County Commissioner Anna Prizzia proposed that kiosks at locations like Publix could serve the community for these services just as effectively. City officials expressed openness to the idea.

Utility Director and Assistant City Manager Jamie Jones led a discussion on potential road improvements for Southwest 15^th Avenue, which is jointly owned by the City and the County. He suggested a partnership agreement to bring the road up to standard and then transfer maintenance responsibilities to the City.

County Vice Chair Ken Cornell, who led the County’s portion of the meeting until Chair Charles Chestnut IV arrived, voiced concerns about the project. He emphasized that the trees lining the road contributed to its scenic character and expressed reservations about the cost of acquiring rights-of-way. Cornell also noted that the County already has a road improvement plan in place and was reluctant to divert funds from established projects.

Newberry Mayor Tim Marden requested clear direction on what types of projects the County would be willing to partner with the City on. Commissioner Jordan Marlowe proposed a cost-sharing approach, with the County covering one-third and the City handling the remaining two-thirds through developer fees and City funds. The proposal, however, did not gain traction with the County.

County commissioners ultimately voted to authorize staff to continue working with City officials to explore potential joint projects and provide more information to the commission.

The meeting also included the presentation of the Phoenix Award for Life-Saving Excellence, directed by Newberry Fire Chief Jason Lyman. The award was given to city and county personnel involved in the April 13, 2025, rescue of a Newberry man who suffered a heart attack. The award recognizes coordinated efforts across multiple agencies that resulted in a successful recovery.

In other business, one resident suggested using one of the City’s soon-to-be-available buildings for a health and wellness initiative. Commissioner Prizzia expressed interest in learning more about what such a program would entail.

Newberry City Commissioner Mark Clark announced that the Veterans’ Memorial ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for Memorial Day at 9:30 a.m.

The next Newberry City Commission meeting is scheduled for May 27 at 7 p.m., followed by a Board of Adjustment Meeting and a CRA Meeting.

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