Residents and commissioners press city, county for action on Mill Creek Sink development and karst protections

Alachua County residents urged commissioners on Sept. 9 to act to protect groundwater and karst resources after city approvals related to the Mill Creek/Terra Forest development removed some public hearing steps under recent state rules.

Residents and conservation organizations told the county commission they fear the development’s stormwater infrastructure, excavation and roadwork could drain Mill Creek Sink and transmit contaminants to springs and private wells that are hydrologically connected. Speakers asked the county to use its affected‑party status and to seek injunctions or legal review where notice or permitting was deficient.

Commissioners directed county attorneys to prepare a written update on the board’s earlier “14‑point” motion addressing Mill Creek concerns, to forward existing county correspondence and records to the City of Alachua’s new interim counsel, and to consult with outside groups that have raised notice and public‑process questions. The motion also asked staff to pursue outstanding public records and to be prepared to assert affected‑party rights at future administrative hearings.

Residents said they have discovered apparent procedural errors in city notice for a special exception tied to stormwater and that the National Speleological Society has already alerted the city that public notice may have been insufficient. County staff said some city actions are now classified as administrative approvals under recent state law changes; the board asked staff to watch for any administrative steps related to Terra Forest West, Terra April and Terra Phoenicia and notify commissioners when those items appear on the city schedule.

County staff and commissioners stressed they want to remain engaged. Commissioner Alfred told residents he wants direct alerts and asked them to call the county when they notice activity, and staff said it will continue coordinating with the state, the city and residents while pursuing public records and legal analysis.

Ending: The county has not blocked the developments; commissioners asked staff to maintain heightened monitoring, produce a written legal update on the prior motion, and share records with the city’s new counsel so the county can be ready to appeal or assert affected‑party rights if the city moves forward administratively.