Clay County neighbors upset over potential development plan near Black Creek
UPDATE 1/25/23: Action News Jax got some clarification on the proposed development along Black Creek.
A county spokesperson told us there are about nearly 12 acres under review, and 10 of those 12 acres are wetlands that cannot be developed.
The current owner spoke to commissioners at Tuesday’s meeting, saying he only wanted to build two homes on the property.
County commissioners were sympathetic to homeowners wanting to preserve the area. The owner said he would be open to selling the land to someone willing to conserve the property.
The commission will revisit the issue again in 30 days.
You can watch Tuesday’s meeting here.
ORIGINAL STORY:
The Clay County Board of Commissioners are hearing neighbors’ concerns after they heard of a plan to re-zone 15 acres of conservation land in the Black Creek area.
“It’s high density,” said neighbor Richard Shettler. “It’s not good.”
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According to the county, the issue stemmed from a mapping error, when a homeowner tried to get a permit to build a house on his property and was denied due to the zoning.
Ray Tomlin has lived along Black Creek for nearly 25 years.
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His view of nature could soon be obstructed by homes.
“We got a letter in the mail about possible rezoning for that property,” said Tomlin.
Tomlin said the zoning will allow five dwellings per acre, completely changing the character of the area with many new homes.
“We’re not opposed to development in the sense of a person has a piece of property and wants to build a house on it, but you can’t build five houses per acre and develop all the wetland area,” said Tomlin.
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Action News Jax spoke with neighbors who said this will cause more flooding in the Black Creek area, and they want to preserve the land.
“Once it’s developed it developed. We hope we can save it,” said Shettler.
Clay County sent Action News Jax this statement saying all development proposals must be carefully reviewed and approved through the permitting process.
We will continue to keep you updated as we learn more.
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