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Residents urge commission to protect Black Creek conservation area; item continued to May 5
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Summary
Residents living along the North Prong of Black Creek urged the Clay County Planning Commission to oppose a proposed future land-use change affecting about 46.39 acres, citing flood risk, runoff and habitat loss; the commission continued the item to its May 5 meeting to allow further review and conservation-committee input.
Admiral Len Herring, president of the Fox Meadows Civic Association, told the Clay County Planning Commission on April 7 that his neighborhood of 574 homes is "very, very concerned" about a proposal affecting 46.39 acres east of Blanding Avenue and urged the commission to place the property under a conservation review rather than allow development.
Multiple residents reinforced Herring's concerns during the public-comment portion. Resident Erin Zayer, who lives on the North Prong of Black Creek, said the proposal "is not just a map change" and warned that redesignating conserved land for development would increase runoff, pollution and long-term harm to water quality. "If conservation land can just be re designated when it becomes profitable enough, then what does conservation even mean?" she asked.
Other speakers, including Shirley Hatcher and Keith Taylor, described long-term ties to the creek, worries about erosion and flooding, and a desire to preserve habitat and recreational access. Steven Van Blum said the local citizens advisory committee had recommended disapproval.
Chief Planner Dodie Seelig explained that the county's Land Conservation Committee is accepting applications and expects to begin substantive parcel reviews in May; she said members of the public may apply for conservation consideration even if they do not own the property. Commissioners and staff directed residents to that committee as an option and noted a narrow window for applications to be considered at the committee's first review.
Given the public concern and the advisory committee timing, a commissioner moved to continue the comprehensive-plan amendment (comp 20 6-2) to the May 5 Planning Commission meeting. The motion was seconded and approved; the matter will return in May so the commission can consider the CAC's input and any applications for conservation review before making a recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners.
