St. Johns Deny Rezoning Request for ‘Agrihood’ Development

St. Johns County commissioners unanimously rejected an application to rezone more than 2,600 acres of land to allow a residential development with a maximum of 3,322 units. The county’s Planning and Zoning Agency unanimously recommended denial of the application in October,

Plans by developer Freehold Communities called for the creation of an “agrihood” concept that included agricultural elements in the residential neighborhood. The property, owned by the Robinson Improvement Co., is situated on the north side of County Road 214, south of County Road 208.

Len Carter, a representative of the landowners, said the property has been in the family for more than 100 years and has been used for farming, raising cattle and growing timber. He said the rezoning application follows an agreement between the company and St. Johns County for a right-of-way for County Road 2209.

“The timber lease on the property expires at the end of next year,” he said. “Based on the timber expiration, we started planning for the development of the property consistent with the county’s 2019 comprehensive plan.”

Doug Miller, an engineering consultant with England-Thims & Miller, presented a brief history of the previous agreements for the property leading up to the 2019 comp plan.

“We’re simply perfecting the agreement, completing the bargain and we are expecting you to do the same thing,” he said to commissioners.

In addition to detailed testimony from consultants and representatives of the company, a long line of residents spoke during the public comment period, most in opposition to the request.

Commissioner Christian Whitehurst asked county staff if commissioners had a legal obligation to approve the rezoning based on county actions in 2019.

“You’re not obligated to approve this,” said Kealey West, senior assistant county attorney. “The applicant has to meet the land development code. You’re not obligated to approve zoning based on the comp plan amendment that done back in 2019.”

Commission Chair Sarah Arnold cited insufficiencies in the development plan as a reason for her opposition.

“I have thought very long and very hard about this,” she said. “Personally, I don’t think this project is ready for prime time.”

Commissioner Henry Dean, who was a member of the County Commission in 2019 when the comp plan amendment was approved, said he knew the issue would eventually come back before commissioners.

“My position was and still is today (that) this a very good project on the one hand, and I think it’s a good project,” he said. “It was a good decision on my part in 2019 to do the agreement.”

However, Dean said he could not support given the unanimous recommendation from the PZA.

“I have to say, Madame Chair, I have to agree with your comments and that’s where I come down today.”