[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,76,88,99,111],{"_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":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6258672,"mediaKeyId","3146725-bf8f893a67755bad81b10d9a6b46f257","parentId",3146725,"title","DOT'aligned intersection-control plan for State Road 26 presented; commissioners and residents raise U-turn and school-traffic concerns","audioSeconds",954,"startMs",2423000,"endMs",3377000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3146725-bf8f893a67755bad81b10d9a6b46f257&start=2423&end=3377","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3146725-bf8f893a67755bad81b10d9a6b46f257/thumbnail_2423000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6258672/Florida/DOTaligned-intersection-control-plan-for-State-Road-26-presented-commissioners-and-residents-raise-U-turn-and-school-traffic-concerns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6258672-6c9fb56b3dbe132ec16f7c34a4bf5f4e/orig.mp4?Expires=1773738843&Signature=Qj3jk7SsEjYyVZWkTk~Ip~o2xFdMIiPwwzdW9-E2pxgEfxTd1TxGD9855agyJBBmLofTYn7yBFpUIPobeGfmIWAYwdp8hRUSQuzou4ZZ~29cY9YMg4YarMVLLGVlXIWYh654T~2Z9AxVkfNCxyVlTKze4U1KTnwxM3vLWIGUhDf-~07IN-tfpIF0Ndpzg0zDIxG1PfIMYXnoVEAGJzwY97RozyF2t38JweJN2gmnZcXXRbovbA4DaoiY7xaavYD8foOqX6jPaluKWNvbEUSxl0WrNL89m8OqzCHcrARhSTeeT8RCBWnpVN-r~yIfFIQe8etTwz6V77UX~2dEJR8R~w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Newberry, FL","date","2025-04-29T14:56:32Z","article","Kimley-Horn transportation engineer Ally Bridal told the City of Newberry commission Tuesday that state traffic engineers have evaluated proposed signal locations and intersection control for the State Road 26 corridor and recommended designs consistent with the Florida Department of Transportation'adopted ICE (Intersection Control Evaluation) policy.

Bridal said DOT examines speed, context classification and access class when evaluating speed limits and signal spacing. She told the commission that predevelopment speed data for the corridor did not support lowering posted limits and that ICE review focuses on safety, traffic volumes and lifecycle costs. She said DOT had approved concepts for two nearby intersections (Highland Park and Wynwood Center) that use a modified through-cut design to reduce mainline conflicts and meet signal-spacing standards.

Bridal added that access class 6 (center turn lane areas) and access class 3 (physical median) impose different driveway-spacing requirements, and that DOT'recommended spacing for the proposed signals \"does indeed meet their signal spacing standards.\" She cautioned that recommendations are based on current studies and could change as new development is built and traffic volumes evolve.

Public and commissioner comments highlighted safety and school traffic concerns. Resident Nayeem Erchid and others pointed to congestion and queuing at 15th/27th near the elementary school and urged the city to press DOT for traffic calming there; Erchid said parents and kids face daily backups. Commissioner Farnsworth and others questioned whether the through-cut designs would increase U-turns and create new crash risks; Commissioner Clark pressed Bridal on whether the ICE process allows local input and whether DOT can revise designs later in the review process.

Why it matters: State Road 26 is a primary access corridor into Newberry. Changes in signal locations and access control affect travel patterns, business access and neighborhood safety. Staff said the corridor is also affected by pending projects such as the FDOT one-way-pair plan and multiple developments (Highland Park, Publix, Wynwood Center) whose traffic studies factor into DOT decisions.

What happens next: Bridal and staff said DOT remains open to suggestions and that traffic-control decisions are data driven. Staff will continue coordinating with DOT as development applications are processed; commissioners asked staff to keep the school-area congestion issue in view during coordination.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Commission Meeting | April 28, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","A consultant for Kimley-Horn briefed the commission on FDOT'led ICE evaluations for State Road 26, saying proposed modified through-cut designs and signal spacing meet DOT policy but could alter left-turn access and increase U-turn volumes.","taxTitle","City of Newberry , Alachua County, Florida","taxId",71804,"location","Florida","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6258676,"UF students propose form-based code to preserve character and guide downtown growth",1019,1282000,2301000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3146725-bf8f893a67755bad81b10d9a6b46f257&start=1282&end=2301","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3146725-bf8f893a67755bad81b10d9a6b46f257/thumbnail_1282000.jpg","/articles/6258676/Florida/UF-students-propose-form-based-code-to-preserve-character-and-guide-downtown-growth","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6258676-f1b9d4eb956d781e5ccf89bdb4858c46/orig.mp4?Expires=1773738843&Signature=KetrcbOsp1JkMJc4a9uEtTTbFx3vjMnPMJBrBgx71ZrF1V9puevGXuPqDFmmB2l8c6ws6H8Lfy3NLWy9BAw~d76jDtkaq4ODXxM1P5RUioGudhnfIbyV1GCU~S6Jp4TZvbC4~1U3t4Q4gxfeQcWTH2N201pD4pZwPcEIWfcxZX1eE8-qd8mh9HFFdeInW8b4fzwH7dGokmfVZaot8gNvFqanIIaYmEs95w2Wjh-LonMYaUxlKm3QzvUCpOooQyzwzEAguQiZ0e9ocWoLKMltNQCXLkBPflXS7Noyf3j5pfykxoG~qStFdoTQ02M80Jvu-U2ySLwLgyAuQD4LReo7Cg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A University of Florida urban planning class presented a form-based code concept to the City of Newberry commission Tuesday as a proposed alternative to single-use zoning in the downtown community redevelopment area (CRA).

\"Form based code is especially helpful for small growing towns,\" said Dr. Abhinav Alexhin (as introduced), associate professor, adding that form-based codes \"ensure that new building and public spaces fit the character and vision of the town rather than leading to scattered or disconnected development.\" Student JT Gehrman and a multidisciplinary team outlined transect-based zones (T3 periphery, T4 transition, T5 downtown core), placing form and building orientation ahead of prescriptive land uses.

The students said the approach aims to reinforce a compact, walkable core built around the historic railroad corridor, encourage mixed-use development, preserve local character through materials and scale standards, and reduce auto dependence. \"It promotes walkability and a sense of place through clear standards by transects,\" Gehrman said. The presentation included examples and case studies (Littleton, Mass., and Green Cove Springs, Fla.) and recommended a pilot in the CRA before any citywide change.

Why it matters: Newberry's downtown has historically been a clustered commercial center that later shifted to auto-oriented uses. The students told commissioners that ongoing population growth and an FDOT one-way-pair project create a near-term opportunity to codify standards that would keep new development in scale with the downtown's historic character.

Commission reaction: Commissioners and staff thanked the students and asked procedural questions about follow-up. Stacy Hechtus, Community Development, said staff would continue studying form-based options as part of a larger land-development-code rewrite. The students volunteered to help with implementation materials and public outreach.

What happens next: Staff said a pilot study of the CRA and written recommendations could be folded into the city's comprehensive-plan update and the land-development-code rewrite. The commission did not take formal action on the presentation; it served as an informational introduction.","University of Florida graduate students presented a draft form-based code concept for Downtown Newberry, arguing it would prioritize building form, walkability and mixed uses over traditional single-use zoning.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6258682,"Commission approves budget amendment, several ordinances and Highland Park construction plans",0,11036000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3146725-bf8f893a67755bad81b10d9a6b46f257&start=11036&end=11036","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3146725-bf8f893a67755bad81b10d9a6b46f257/thumbnail_11036000.jpg","/articles/6258682/Florida/Commission-approves-budget-amendment-several-ordinances-and-Highland-Park-construction-plans","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6258682-cf391ff4316d8c8bb0dd6d7491656b76/orig.mp4?Expires=1773738843&Signature=cNeWbswm7bOv7uNc-ORPj1QBjVgEYj1M-atEt0FrrCTpSbu27LXRDn8ilVwgi1jG0Onlz2DSR6gMU2~0amXEshidbUd2kIvVsgCi~RZ7lbyUWdmTvr8bjC4Yz1SNzZH3QeBJ30BMSwe8McTFPXOapP5SZvO-msj9bakOZhcDug8RQHXpbFJlzDWQsTzoNgL6WwdPu5EifJele-N9A02Oax8sC-FPrhtffqIod0vTaEdngMT7aWulUnRqR92AowDKntVQRdyey31waazSn-ZeSyy41WXR0Fl13QOsbP6ASAFfWi2EgFN7HQOLe6a8rniwzp2bLFtyyIrZERh-vc5fWA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Newberry commission approved several measures Tuesday night, including a budget amendment, planning and zoning appointments, a resolution authorizing submission of a Community Development Block Grant application and construction plans for the Highland Park residential development.

The commission voted unanimously to adopt a resolution (Res. 2025-12) that amends the city's fiscal year 2024'25 budget, citing revenues from right-of-way sale proceeds and donations for the Veterans Memorial and recognizing interest earnings for capital and enterprise funds. Amanda, acting director of finance, told commissioners the city was about 58% through the fiscal year and remained in compliance with the adopted budget.

The commission also approved a slate of appointments to the planning and zoning board and extended terms for several incumbents. The body passed a resolution appointing current and new members and filled two vacancies; Commissioner Clark moved the initial extension of two members and Commissioner Long seconded.

Commissioners authorized the city manager to file an application for Florida'administered Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for neighborhood revitalization (Res. 2025-16). City grant manager Jane Sullivan said the application requested funding to pave dirt streets, add sidewalks and make sewer-line improvements in a low- and moderate-income service area; the application amount presented at the meeting included $1,000,532 and $532,617 as components of the proposed application.

The commission approved first readings on two updated code items: a vacant-property and mortgagee registration ordinance and an updated abandoned-vehicle removal ordinance; both were advanced on first reading. The commission also advanced the proposed land-development text change addressing large-scale retail (LDR 2025-01) on first reading.

A separate resolution (Res. 2025-14) approving construction plans for phases 1'3 of the Highland Park subdivision (the former Newberry Plaza site) and authorizing the city manager to execute related utility/developer agreements passed by unanimous vote. Community development staff said the construction-plan approval covers engineering drawings for the first three residential phases and places limits on final-plat reviews to stagger construction.

Votes at a glance
- Agenda approval (amendments added): Passed; motion by Commissioner Maison, second Commissioner Clark; unanimous on the dais.
- Consent agenda (various routine items): Passed unanimously.
- Res. 2025-12 (FY24'25 budget amendments): Motion by Commissioner Long, second by Commissioner Clark; passed (ayes; Commissioner Maison absent for roll call).
- Res. 2025-05 (Planning & Zoning appointments, terms through 4/30/2026 and 4/30/2027): Motion and seconds recorded in minutes; passed unanimously on votes shown.
- Res. 2025-16 (Authorize CDBG application for neighborhood revitalization): Motion by Commissioner Clark, second Commissioner Coleman; unanimous.
- Ordinance 2025-07 first reading (vacant property / mortgagee registration): Passed on first reading (motion/second recorded; unanimous).
- Ordinance 2025-06 first reading (abandoned vehicle update): Passed on first reading (motion/second recorded; unanimous).
- LDR 2025-01 (large-scale retail text amendment) first reading: Motion by Commissioner Farnsworth, second by Commissioner Coleman; passed on first reading (unanimous).
- Res. 2025-14 (Highland Park construction plans, phases 1'3) and authorization for city manager to sign developer wastewater capacity agreement: Motion by Commissioner Clark, second Commissioner Maison; passed unanimously.
- Planning & Zoning reappointments/extensions for two incumbents to 4/30/2026: Motion Commissioner Coleman, second Commissioner Clark; passed unanimously.
- Extensions for two PZB members to 4/30/2027: Motion Commissioner Clark, second Commissioner Long; passed 4'1 (Commissioner Farnsworth dissent noted in record).

Why it matters: The budget amendment adjusts city accounts for recent revenues and donations; the CDBG application seeks state grant money to pave dirt roads and add sewer and sidewalks in a lower-income neighborhood; the Highland Park action clears construction drawings that will allow homebuilding and related infrastructure to proceed. Several code changes advanced will shape how the city registers vacant/foreclosed properties, removes abandoned vehicles and reviews large retail projects.

What happens next: Several items were advanced on first reading and return for final votes at later meetings. The CDBG application and Highland Park construction plans will move into grant and permitting tracks; staff will return with any required follow-up materials or second readings.","At its April 28 meeting the City of Newberry commission approved a fiscal year 2024–25 budget amendment, advanced multiple ordinance readings and passed a construction-plan resolution for the Highland Park development. The body also confirmed planning and zoning appointments and authorized a CDBG application.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6258662,"UF historic-preservation class releases interactive ArcGIS story map for Newberry historic district",166,3844000,4010000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3146725-bf8f893a67755bad81b10d9a6b46f257&start=3844&end=4010","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3146725-bf8f893a67755bad81b10d9a6b46f257/thumbnail_3844000.jpg","/articles/6258662/Florida/UF-historic-preservation-class-releases-interactive-ArcGIS-story-map-for-Newberry-historic-district","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6258662-04d1f2d2e7e1e424e2f350b42142faf5/orig.mp4?Expires=1773738843&Signature=cQD5FdnRtJlzifRiRFuPJQVs4Vb3ERAIYKqTKJS9z77Pqnacp2rAIZ9Lj5DhSedljTXKcj4FmXXI4~T8mg45BKWASYFHEN~su~0vg8MzcBaOKSdzc0VaPWCz1hbAwGHP~5zYjFMRVFVmaD6pEJRALxYR59~4W3HPBivbQ85d~iohbjh9znBbIvmYN5uFbxQ3jOqc5Mp2X7jA78UUU6Wnb2Pgs8~weTTlbSlgK4BORKKmAS1aMGo4tOR-ehx8dbqWLDWIBUYQ4hYTnu9lXXTTT8Df2vpImquunW9WOVhCIUaVWVTgQF2hcIY45rJgEOVQNWV1zKSOvVwYlegpLEwxiQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","University of Florida historic-preservation faculty and students unveiled an interactive ArcGIS story map at the April 28 commission meeting that documents Newberry's historic-district resources and offers a walking-tour format for residents and visitors.

\"We try to implement field work and service learning in our classes,\" said Dr. Claire Carr, research assistant professor in the UF historic preservation program, introducing master's student Natalie Cecil. Cecil walked commissioners through the story map, which includes historic context, a timeline, maps showing demolished and extant properties, 360-degree tours, and a section on care for historic masonry.

The story map draws on the 2023 historic resource survey and the 1980s district nomination and is intended to be available via a QR code and hosted on the Newberry Main Street website. Dr. Carr and the students said the material can be updated over time and could be paired with physical QR-code placards near buildings to create an on-site interpretive layer.

Why it matters: The story map aims to make preservation information accessible to the public, support local heritage tourism and provide a resource for property owners and the Historic Architecture Review Board as downtown redevelopment accelerates.

What happens next: The students said the project will be presented to the Historic Architecture Review Board on May 5 for further discussion and will be posted on the Main Street site; staff suggested the city could add printed QR-code placards at selected sites.","University of Florida historic-preservation students and faculty presented an ArcGIS story map that compiles the 1980s historic-district nomination, the 2023 resource survey and new interpretive materials into a mobile-friendly walking tour and preservation guide.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6258667,"Commission advances draft large-scale retail overlay; PZB and staff seek tighter buffers, design standards",1109,7200000,8309000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3146725-bf8f893a67755bad81b10d9a6b46f257&start=7200&end=8309","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3146725-bf8f893a67755bad81b10d9a6b46f257/thumbnail_7200000.jpg","/articles/6258667/Florida/Commission-advances-draft-large-scale-retail-overlay-PZB-and-staff-seek-tighter-buffers-design-standards","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6258667-fa13653f6e4d53abaeaf71b322a4592f/orig.mp4?Expires=1773738843&Signature=d9ZCm4RD3HCggmIR0JETNOoXOFeblp~9hoy80p8ZaifFhR7j4L7kF84iRAKj-nGsy4BN740lnQj06etyd-yQ0-qmfbSfnNRTV8Q-0b93i7oNXQmtBMlBtRIHWPBILdDj8O3L3w1ZhZHIgG0XOejCeWwjA10M--f2KPpAkV5OeTjjOL22SXp~5qCqZ-EJWiHN1gY4jI1eVvpfCaZm71YHwq-613RHgi4euVF87ODCViTIONAoUa4UZFQX-vDevgRrwoYaAQjJcO5E7y-LCBB-YeqgPf8iHijFHL1dUIww87CDs~WiP1ss6eH-cAeoLRqAs1fAdGyJ9GZpODUEpsOmXg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Newberry commission advanced the first reading of a land-development regulation change aimed at regulating large-scale retail projects along primary corridors.

City staff and planners proposed standards for a dedicated overlay to govern large retailers, defined in the draft as a single-building retail establishment of 60,000 square feet or greater. The draft establishes buffer zones, streetscape and building-design standards and use restrictions intended to preserve \"small-town character\" and reduce monolithic box buildings.

\"We wanted to ensure the downtown character is preserved and that developments address the street and pedestrians,\" said John Paul Perez, principal planner, as he reviewed draft requirements that include articulated facades, prominent customer entrances, pedestrian connections and limits on long, unbroken walls. The Planning & Zoning Board recommended a 60,000-square-foot threshold (staff had initially referenced 80,000) and suggested widening buffer zones: Zone 1 (15'25 feet), Zone 2 (25'50 feet) and Zone 3 (50'100 feet) as development approaches rural edges.

The ordinance would require projects that meet the threshold to be reviewed as special exceptions by the PZB and Board of Adjustment, incorporate design requirements into the overlay, and prohibit certain uses (manufactured home sales, mobile-home sales) in corridor locations. Staff also said shared-parking credits and administrative options could reduce parking footprint where appropriate.

Why it matters: Many proposed and active developments front State Road 26 and US 2741. The draft aims to shape how large retail projects orient buildings and parking, how they relate to sidewalks and the downtown, and how much land they consume for surface parking.

What happens next: The text amendment passed on first reading and returns for a second reading with additional drawings and refined buffer maps. Staff said they will provide typical section drawings and work with the PZB recommendations to refine the ordinance before final adoption.","Commissioners advanced first reading of a proposed land-development amendment that would define \"large-scale retail\" (60,000+ sq ft), set design standards for corridor redevelopment and add overlay buffers along State Road 26 and US 2741.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

DOT'aligned intersection-control plan for State Road 26 presented; commissioners and residents raise U-turn and school-traffic concerns

UF students propose form-based code to preserve character and guide downtown growth

Commission approves budget amendment, several ordinances and Highland Park construction plans

UF historic-preservation class releases interactive ArcGIS story map for Newberry historic district

Commission advances draft large-scale retail overlay; PZB and staff seek tighter buffers, design standards