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NEWBERRY – The Newberry City Commission met Aug. 25, 2025, to consider a wide range of ordinances and land use amendments beyond fire fees and the Avalon Woods development. Commissioners moved quickly through multiple agenda items, most of which passed without dissent.

Commercial Zoning Approvals

Commissioners approved several rezonings and land use amendments. Hawley Family Holdings LLC, 9.7 acres at 23125 West Newberry Road, was approved for a small-scale amendment from Agriculture to Commercial. A related rezoning to Commercial Intensive was also approved on first reading. Also, IMS 2707 LLC, a 25-acre tract, was advanced on first reading for a change from Agriculture to Commercial, with a companion rezoning to Commercial Automotive. Staff noted opposition from the Planning and Zoning Board to the proposed car lot use. And Pat Post Property, a 111-acre annexed parcel, was approved for a large-scale amendment from Agriculture to Residential. Rezoning to City Agriculture was also approved on first reading, with authorization to transmit the plan to state officials for review.

Large-Scale Land Use Amendment

A legislative hearing considered a request from NV5 Global, Inc., representing Charlie L. and Juanita H. Futch. The proposal sought to reclassify 159 acres on Southwest 15th Avenue from Mixed Use to Residential Low Density, with up to 500 units planned in a development called CountryWay II. Commissioners approved the change unanimously. A companion rezoning application will return to the Planning and Zoning Board and commission in the coming weeks.

In other business, the commission unanimously adopted Ordinance 2025-67, approving the city’s inclusion in the Municipal Service Benefit Unit (MSBU) for solid waste costs. The annual residential rate of $25.27 remains unchanged from last year. The ordinance also allows for multi-year consent, provided increases do not exceed 10 percent in a single year.

On second reading, commissioners unanimously adopted Ordinance No. 2025-15, formally establishing a Mayor’s Youth Council. The program aims to provide student members with leadership opportunities and a platform for civic engagement. Later in the meeting, the commission appointed Anna McGehee and Elana Wilson to the board, with one vacancy still open.

The next Newberry City Commission meeting will be held Sept. 8, 2025.

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