Lawmakers Cite Inadequate Long Term Growth Planning

Within its 815 acres, Oak Tree Landing planned to have 590 homes, a PGA-pro designed golf course, spa, fitness center, pool, mini-mart and an FAA-approved, 4,995 foot runway at its center.

In order for the development to be considered, developers requested the county's Comprehensive (Comp) Plan be amended to facilitate changes to the building code that would allow the "mixed-use" community to begin construction on the Alachua County line near Newberry and High Springs, FL.

The High Springs Herald reports at a meeting last week, the Gilchrist County Planning Commission recommended denial of the amendments as requested by the Stiles Corporation, developer of Oak Tree Landing. The recommendations are directed to the Gilchrist County Commission who will have final say on the matter at a latter meeting.

Nearly all of the 100 people in attendance at the meeting were against the controversial development, and asked the planning commission to focus on spending time updating the outdated long-range Comp Plan of the county before making changes to accommodate developments like Oak Tree Landing.

"I'm very insulted that a developer can come in and suggest amendments to our Comp Plan," stated local resident Wes Skiles. His comments echoed those of Gilchrist County Planning Director Taylor Brown who recommended the county needed to gain a better vision for future growth through meetings where residents could come together and decide how much the county should grow and where.

Such a process could take anywhere from six months to two years, according to Brown.

The opinions of some were quite the opposite of the crowd. "Why shouldn't this county get behind it instead of watching it go to Levy County?" resident Jim Foster said to the Herald.

He, along with others, believed the development would bring long-term jobs and contributions to the community.

One of the most controversial aspects of the community was the fly-in aspect of Oak Tree Landing. Worried about the plane noise and possible adverse affects the development would have on the rural community, resident Jean Wonser organized a neighborhood committee to oppose the development.

"If they want an airport, they can go to Gainesville," Wonser says. "The density in there would make it like it's own little town, and that's not what Gilchrist is about."

FMI: www.gilchristcounty.com