[{"_1":2,"_118":-5,"_119":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,86,96,106],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6100827,"mediaKeyId","2812216-0d9f56e377847c107fdb311131711e9b","parentId",2812216,"title","Commission approves McDonald's site plan after hours of public comment on traffic, noise and aesthetics","audioSeconds",485,"startMs",1488640,"endMs",1974400,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2812216-0d9f56e377847c107fdb311131711e9b&start=1488&end=1974","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2812216-0d9f56e377847c107fdb311131711e9b/thumbnail_1488640.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6100827/High-Springs/Alachua-County/Florida/Commission-approves-McDonalds-site-plan-after-hours-of-public-comment-on-traffic-noise-and-aesthetics","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6100827-005e3323ccb4bfd48f65b8995ca74994/orig.mp4?Expires=1771189422&Signature=V6a614FQAH~7I9wZR~fJn8SlbKzgWcDyaWA37iw2Gl~5BQUtDa6Ra494L05M10zT6DPP1Tq1jd3gPjHb4cQBxEB022zCDma-y5aOubthy67fonzk4U4fz8ImLUCChhrvythHZqyXMe5931ZdARqsXae4JKyU7rt8mV0wku~Vac0mIXf1sJPcqhqGn1XykWW4sZLx~LQSywKPU9B-GQCU4i-Lnx76Y805qfKytAbWCYKPH7ad8yFzhJ4~LCq234telwyNQXADYee4~szC8yWfO6xFNaFkE-zCVHqRquC-xgRvfBM4h1upqRwKqlS27QENQcdvbO1HN3YhMes7eBwf7g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of High Springs, FL","date","2025-03-28T11:45:36Z","article","The High Springs City Commission on March 27 approved a site plan for a McDonald\u000fs restaurant and drive-through on U.S. 441 after a lengthy public comment period focused on traffic safety, noise, lighting and neighborhood character.

Craig McDonald of Corporate Property Services, representing McDonald\u000fs USA LLC, presented the plan and said the building would be approximately 3,850'3,859 square feet with 38 indoor seats and a side-by-side drive-through. He told the commission the site is zoned C-3 commercial, meets the City of High Springs Land Development Code, and \"complies with or exceeds all Land Development Code regulation standards and requirements within the City of High Springs City's Land Development Code.\" McDonald said the project will meet the city\u000fs adopted levels of service for utilities and transportation and that McDonald expects to employ \"about 60 plus plus or minus people at this location.\"

The applicant described several site and roadway improvements: a cross-access connection to the adjacent Tractor Supply parcel, a left-turn lane and a concrete separator (\"pork chop\") to make the restaurant a right-in/right-out access, a new bike lane and a sidewalk connecting the site to the right-of-way, and landscape buffers and retention areas behind the site. McDonald said those frontage and turn-lane improvements would cost McDonald about $350,000. He also said the applicant is coordinating with the Florida Department of Transportation for the access work and with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) on a gopher tortoise relocation permit and had paid $6,000 toward relocating a tortoise to a site in Jacksonville.

Residents disputed some of the applicant\u000fs representations and asked the commission to consider additional protections. Speakers raised safety concerns for the U.S. 441 corridor near Winn-Dixie and Ashton Ridge, citing existing accidents and near-misses; several residents said they regularly must perform u-turns to access northbound traffic and feared adding McDonald\u000fs traffic would worsen conditions. A number of residents asked for a solid fence or wall similar to what Tractor Supply provided to reduce sound and light intrusion; others urged a sign design that fits the town\u000fs character. One resident asked whether the restaurant would operate 24 hours; the applicant replied most locations do not open 24/7 unless market demand justifies it.

Commission discussion included praise for site-plan elements that aim to improve safety, such as the cross-access and turn-lane work. One commissioner said staff and the applicant \"dotted every I, crossed every t.\" The applicant said the photometric plan shows lighting will be directed away from residences and that light levels behind the retention area would be at or near 0 foot-candles. The applicant said deliveries are typically short and occur on carts at the rear of the building and that the owner/operator would police the site for loitering.

After presentations and public comment, a commissioner moved to approve the site plan and another commissioner seconded; the commission approved the plan by voice vote.

The record includes the plan-board recommendation to approve and staff\u000fs finding the plan met code. The applicant said permits from FDOT and FWC are pending and expected in April; staff will monitor those external approvals. The applicant estimated construction could start in June or July and take approximately 95 to 105 days once permits are secured.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","March 27, 2025 High Springs City Commission Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The High Springs City Commission approved a site plan March 27 for a McDonald\u000fs with drive-through on U.S. 441 after residents raised concerns about traffic safety, noise, lighting and neighborhood character.","taxTitle","High Springs, Alachua County, Florida","taxId",54325,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6100832,"Commission approves Whitfield Window & Door expansion in industrial park",0,1256645,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2812216-0d9f56e377847c107fdb311131711e9b&start=1256&end=1256","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2812216-0d9f56e377847c107fdb311131711e9b/thumbnail_1256645.jpg","/articles/6100832/High-Springs/Alachua-County/Florida/Commission-approves-Whitfield-Window-Door-expansion-in-industrial-park","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6100832-578972b75628e682a69a9745387b04a4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771189422&Signature=nzyVm0bg1w1xDCYjd7IIZK0wGzxlRNodNWzHir2HwweWUHOWrf~vIDXT2KzGmvRo5NO1QfBrmhpiMR5mQPs-6RL7fjJKiO9asX1zUY91SbtRs8FEB56tzqD6aelIIVKknJAFt6T0lSC-QJcoc~ks~8rHDVCDHMmlh3MYx2h8ua2HlxFp-h0gru86i6ZMCLHi4lTOO2R7IN06Bdt4wTNLQYOXE04uhcqutRTDwCN2oBDzmm6xp3QlhM9vHvJjRzHhdbplyUJ1-dDPwgm27qi8CY~jqNeAFSbVBN2p6s4cc734edNBNGHIWdnaxlTPulGuPGXoTQbpm7cg4C6oTArZ4g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The High Springs City Commission on March 27 approved a commercial site plan for Whitfield Window & Door to expand in the city\u000fs industrial park.

City planning staff told the commission the site plan underwent internal review, multiple comment-response rounds, and received a 5-0 recommendation from the city\u000fs plan board. \"Seeing as they've met all the minimum requirements in our code, staff also does recommend approval on this one,\" the staff presenter told the commission.

Commission discussion noted the applicant addressed retention-pond design and parking. One commissioner said the expansion was positive because it would bring jobs to High Springs. No citizens spoke in opposition during the agenda item. A commissioner moved to accept the addition; another commissioner seconded, and the motion passed on a voice vote.

Staff said the project is a routine addition to the existing facility and will include new parking and stormwater controls. The commission did not record a roll-call tally during the voice vote.

The commission approved the site plan as recommended by staff and the plan board; the city will return any technical permits or plan corrections to staff for administrative completion.","The commission approved a commercial site plan for Whitfield Window & Door after staff and the plan board found the application met code and recommended approval; the plan includes a retention pond and new parking.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":78,"_43":89,"_45":89,"_47":90,"_49":91,"_51":92,"_53":93,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":94,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":95,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6100836,"High Springs awards fire station HVAC contract to Crystal Air",1229835,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2812216-0d9f56e377847c107fdb311131711e9b&start=1229&end=1229","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2812216-0d9f56e377847c107fdb311131711e9b/thumbnail_1229835.jpg","/articles/6100836/High-Springs/Alachua-County/Florida/High-Springs-awards-fire-station-HVAC-contract-to-Crystal-Air","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6100836-0f475e2ac5c54e9110cb578795746e8b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771189422&Signature=Nicer5~IqKsvaEa2EHGwASoviaLZIyYqX4WfUR4NvBkEoLii7ObdTbG8B15sT4yW0p3UPrVnYd6ZpwFM0frf~XeQ5ckzM1L0w~NED4-4WAq8C8K9CUDDjD6zEgN0dYbZLxXdlGRyPWp-S-SwOfhEiFHRJdO5W8eUBTZVr~zAcKtzeLEPiLi8hc4yBPP024RSOmcf~WHdi6iXomiDG9fsknGxQ-zdj8Se6FXwwTuJubv5B~oJSC3v76zUqh47gy3WddlY1MYvmFpL3NCLOtdkn-EWlcZfQdjsf87G6JhlofvbTB1PvFbgtZJMeJtkYok1KwP1MzPQS5nAf~KK5z81Ag__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The High Springs City Commission on March 27 awarded a contract to Crystal Air to replace the HVAC system at the city\u000fs fire station.

The commission voted by voice to approve the award after staff explained the project required rebidding and an engineering update. \"We actually had to stop the initial bid, have the mechanical engineer redo the plans, and then resubmit the bid again,\" a city staff presenter told the board, and said Crystal Air was recommended because its pre-bid walk-through was thorough and the company\u000fs submission addressed the revised plans.

Staff said the work will remove existing HVAC equipment and ductwork and install all-new equipment, ducting, additional returns and outlets to improve airflow. The mechanical engineer who prepared the plans also recommended Crystal Air after reviewing both bids. The commission confirmed the two bidders proposed comparable unit ratings and that structural steel was not required because the new rooftop unit will sit over load-bearing walls.

Commissioners established funding for the project would come from previously authorized ARPA funds. After discussion, a commissioner moved to award the bid to Crystal Air; another commissioner seconded, and the motion passed on a voice vote.

The contract award does not include structural steel and staff said the unit placement will not require it. No citizen comments were offered on the item. Construction timing and further contract details were not specified at the meeting.

The commission did not record a roll-call tally in the public minutes; the motion passed by voice vote.

The commission will place contract documents and any final scope amendments on a future agenda when available.","The City Commission approved a contract award to Crystal Air for replacement of HVAC units and ductwork at the fire station, funded from ARPA allocations; staff and the city's mechanical engineer recommended the low bidder after a rebid and engineering review.",{"_33":97,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":98,"_41":78,"_43":99,"_45":99,"_47":100,"_49":101,"_51":102,"_53":103,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":104,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":105,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6100817,"City manager warns of possible $260,000 Wild Spaces repayment tied to canoe outpost purchase",3799815,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2812216-0d9f56e377847c107fdb311131711e9b&start=3799&end=3799","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2812216-0d9f56e377847c107fdb311131711e9b/thumbnail_3799815.jpg","/articles/6100817/High-Springs/Alachua-County/Florida/City-manager-warns-of-possible-260000-Wild-Spaces-repayment-tied-to-canoe-outpost-purchase","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6100817-6dc77e6b82c0f5e9657349a808e019ec/orig.mp4?Expires=1771189422&Signature=Ys90976TKX8k9D5EA8~6Eik8oqEx8SYp8xbNqKO7QroSpAmzkYHX9KZQR8Ef3JeaK93yJgF3tY-Vfqg~QytCFauEsMIPb9v7PeMxcK44ps3YzwykqzcTfdi2-Nfm3B9geqkZfAhMbpOJyuh9N44qKZ2T5yhnjvpOy6Hw1Dl0Srusg38BNt0wUlkCfD13M7psXpE11EZBa0DelE8S6yO8r9UehVXtOe569KZWBkqNdMdspa-NyYXL5xLfPg8fHVZwnmC82VCJqnyRADgez1ttP4KCeQ8kXamS0QH4Pr3quLpYj6Z3BjD7McciEOyKx8HHZhTHXjj~FbMooy9slTZvug__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Manager Jeremy Marshall told the High Springs City Commission on March 27 that county staff notified the city it may need to repay roughly $260,000 tied to Wild Spaces surtax funding used in the city\u000fs purchase of the Canoe Outpost.

Marshall said the issue is in the \"very infant stages\" and staff are meeting with county representatives and the surtax oversight board to examine options. \"Don't get too upset by it,\" Marshall said, but added the city will explore repayment plans, refinancing and other ways to lessen the impact. \"If we have to pay that all at once, it's gonna be a big punch in the gut,\" he told the commission.

Staff said the problem stems from an unintended consequence of a change in surtax tranches after the city purchased the property; legislation passed in 2017 and a tranche change in 2023 altered how Wild Spaces funds were allocated. The city manager and city staff said they are reviewing the original real-estate closing documents to determine whether conservation funds were used in a way that restricts sale of the property and to identify potential options.

Commissioners asked whether the property could be sold; staff said investigations are ongoing and legal and transaction records must be reviewed. Staff identified La Crosse as another local municipality experiencing similar issues and said the city is engaging its lobbyists and state-level contacts to seek a legislative fix.

No action was taken at the meeting; staff will continue to investigate, meet with county officials and report back when they have more information.","City Manager Jeremy Marshall told the commission the county has signaled the city may need to repay about $260,000 connected to Wild Spaces surtax funding used for the canoe outpost purchase; staff are investigating options including repayment schedules, refinancing and whether conservation land constraints affect resale.",{"_33":107,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":108,"_41":109,"_43":110,"_45":111,"_47":112,"_49":113,"_51":114,"_53":115,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":116,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":117,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6100822,"Residents press commissioners on U.S. 441 safety; commission considers DOT workshop",280,700115,980175,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2812216-0d9f56e377847c107fdb311131711e9b&start=700&end=980","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2812216-0d9f56e377847c107fdb311131711e9b/thumbnail_700115.jpg","/articles/6100822/High-Springs/Alachua-County/Florida/Residents-press-commissioners-on-US-441-safety-commission-considers-DOT-workshop","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6100822-d8e05ac1540d4d9401aa0255e08ce149/orig.mp4?Expires=1771189422&Signature=S4LTbQokSI6BF6HoyxpMbBeEQhzpwORjWRh7Icd33~XpdrGKkadWX5Eex09racfP6q8G3QF4yHvA~ujLPIyP56KQrOeCMbcF4dwEHD-HKo7S0un16bTJQRBzrFe6Cjh2l~QEzyAiH4g1q43y7xeMhIhHPS-utPp9WvmpPhXj8DyMGMmBTwvR6jwkrnf9pX5GwF~WI9ujcRb~MBfeo6oQmALSs6NRnQQF4obMY1naqWMuRv5smC1Zg7q9WTRqLfko~Vv3ZJTg5kWdq1HcV05Lhxac4-xNNe82rNcfwa07-KhyhnoVAA6egir2X-7IMJg9luC~7G9EFdFY~DhBWRg28w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Multiple residents raised safety concerns about U.S. 441 during the March 27 City Commission meeting, urging action after several crashes and near-misses on the corridor that bisects High Springs.

Resident Andy Sleuski, who owns property near Winn-Dixie, said he has witnessed serious collisions and described two recent incidents, including a bicyclist struck and dragged along the highway. \"I'm concerned about the safety of this stretch,\" he said, and asked whether speed reductions, increased enforcement or other measures could help.

Other residents from Ashton Ridge and adjacent subdivisions echoed the safety concerns, saying they often must perform U-turns to access northbound traffic and that semi-truck activity at Tractor Supply increases the risk. \"This has only gotten worse since the Tractor Supply went in and the Anytime Fitness,\" Petra Townsend said. Laura Sanders, who lives in Ashton Ridge, told the commission she can hear accidents from her backyard and suggested McDonald\u000fs consider fencing similar to Tractor Supply\u000fs fence to reduce light and sound intrusion.

A commissioner responded that the stretch of 441 \"has become increasingly problematic,\" said he had \"almost got t-boned a couple weeks ago,\" and that the city manager and the vice mayor had discussed holding a workshop with the Florida Department of Transportation. The commissioner said he wanted to know why there is no school zone designation at a particular location.

Commissioners did not take a formal vote on any traffic measure during the meeting. Staff and commissioners said the city would pursue conversations with FDOT about possible roadway improvements and the commission asked staff to monitor any FDOT responses tied to projects such as the McDonald\u000fs site plan that include turn-lane work.","During public comment and applicant Q&A the commission heard multiple residents describe accidents and near-misses on U.S. 441 and requested more study and physical barriers; a commissioner said the city manager and vice mayor would pursue a workshop with FDOT to address corridor safety.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission approves McDonald's site plan after hours of public comment on traffic, noise and aesthetics

Commission approves Whitfield Window & Door expansion in industrial park

High Springs awards fire station HVAC contract to Crystal Air

City manager warns of possible $260,000 Wild Spaces repayment tied to canoe outpost purchase

Residents press commissioners on U.S. 441 safety; commission considers DOT workshop