County OKs two projects

County OKs two projects



By PETER GUINTA
peter.guinta@staugustinerecord.com
Publication Date: 08/09/06


St. Johns County Commissioners in a 4-1 vote Tuesday approved two housing developments that will net them only minor improvements to Holmes Boulevard and expanded water and sewer lines for West Augustine.

St. Augustine Lakes, 232 acres west of Holmes Boulevard and south of Thompson Bailey Road, was given approval for 162 homes because that's all the traffic Holmes Boulevard can carry.

With more road capacity, developer Phil Mays would probably have secured the 800 homes -- 230 single-family and 570 multi-family -- he intends to build eventually.

Richard Davis, a long-time county resident who owns commercial property off Holmes, said traffic there is bumper-to-bumper now.

"That road is booked solid," Davis said. "It cannot take any more (traffic), because it can't handle it. (The developer) needs to do more."

The other development, Morgan's Cove, 280 acres east of Interstate 95 and north of State Road 214, got approval for 177 of its 283 homes.

The agreement with the county covers both developments. They must now build a southbound left-turn lane and southbound right turn lane at Holmes Boulevard and County Road 214 and a southbound left turn lane at the King Street Extension and Holmes Boulevard.

The developers did not say how turn lanes will increase the capacity of Holmes Boulevard.

These road projects will cost an estimated total of $1.28 million, county documents said. But the developers will be getting a $985,000 tax credit that will offset the $1.25 million in impact fees they must pay.

Commissioner Ben Rich, who cast dissenting votes on the transportation agreement and the two projects, said, "So, basically, the roads will not cost the developer anything."

St. Augustine attorney Doug Burnett of Rogers Towers, represents Mays and said he also plans to install $4 million in "site-related" improvements, such as internal roads, drainage and infrastructure.

The St. Johns County Planning & Zoning Agency had denied giving its recommendation to St. Augustine Lakes in April. The Planning Agency had said the project was not consistent with the neighborhood, could create adverse environmental impacts and had no traffic capacity.

However, county planning staff on Tuesday recommended approval.

Burnett said St. Augustine Lakes would have only a "small impact" and "greatly enhance" the area. The ball fields and a fishing pond will be open to everyone, he said.

The commission especially liked the 16-inch water and sewer mains coming to West Augustine.

Commission Chairman James Bryant said the two large mains will "greatly enhance the health, safety and development of West Augustine. Sometimes it's give and take on these issues."

Commissioner Bruce Maguire said the rezoning complies with county development guidelines.

"We are following state law with respect to property rights and the Comprehensive Plan," he said.

TEXT:St. Johns County Commissioners in a 4-1 vote Tuesday approved two housing developments that will net them only minor improvements to Holmes Boulevard and expanded water and sewer lines for West Augustine.

St. Augustine Lakes, 232 acres west of Holmes Boulevard and south of Thompson Bailey Road, was given approval for 162 homes because that's all the traffic Holmes Boulevard can carry.

With more road capacity, developer Phil Mays would probably have secured the 800 homes -- 230 single-family and 570 multi-family -- he intends to build eventually.

Richard Davis, a long-time county resident who owns commercial property off Holmes, said traffic there is bumper-to-bumper now.

"That road is booked solid," Davis said. "It cannot take any more (traffic), because it can't handle it. (The developer) needs to do more."

The other development, Morgan's Cove, 280 acres east of Interstate 95 and north of State Road 214, got approval for 177 of its 283 homes.

The agreement with the county covers both developments. They must now build a southbound left-turn lane and southbound right turn lane at Holmes Boulevard and County Road 214 and a southbound left turn lane at the King Street Extension and Holmes Boulevard.

The developers did not say how turn lanes will increase the capacity of Holmes Boulevard.

These road projects will cost an estimated total of $1.28 million, county documents said. But the developers will be getting a $985,000 tax credit that will offset the $1.25 million in impact fees they must pay.

Commissioner Ben Rich, who cast dissenting votes on the transportation agreement and the two projects, said, "So, basically, the roads will not cost the developer anything."

St. Augustine attorney Doug Burnett of Rogers Towers , represents Mays and said he also plans to install $4 million in "site-related" improvements, such as internal roads, drainage and infrastructure.

The St. Johns County Planning & Zoning Agency had denied giving its recommendation to St. Augustine Lakes in April. The Planning Agency had said the project was not consistent with the neighborhood, could create adverse environmental impacts and had no traffic capacity.

However, county planning staff on Tuesday recommended approval.

Burnett said St. Augustine Lakes would have only a "small impact" and "greatly enhance" the area. The ball fields and a fishing pond will be open to everyone, he said.

The commission especially liked the 16-inch water and sewer mains coming to West Augustine.

Commission Chairman James Bryant said the two large mains will "greatly enhance the health, safety and development of West Augustine. Sometimes it's give and take on these issues."

Commissioner Bruce Maguire said the rezoning complies with county development guidelines.

"We are following state law with respect to property rights and the Comprehensive Plan," he said.



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