Neighbors press DRC over construction access, wetlands and buffers as Alachua County approves Havenwood Reserve preliminary plan

The Alachua County Development Review Committee voted Feb. 19 to approve the preliminary development plan for Havenwood Reserve, a proposed 22-lot single-family subdivision on about 34.4 acres, after staff presentations and a lengthy public-comment period focused on construction access, wetlands and tree preservation.

The applicant, represented by Clay Swagger of EDA Consultants, said the project is constrained by wetlands, conservation areas and seven landmark live oaks and that staff supports a density exception to allow fewer units than the low-density-residential minimum. "We are saving approximately 47% of the existing tree canopy," Swagger said, and noted the proposal includes preserved wetlands, stormwater management basins and stubbed utility connections that will be undergrounded within the project.

Neighbors who were granted party status and dozens of public commenters pressed the committee on how construction traffic would enter the site and what protections would be required. Ashley Ederly, whose home directly abuts the parcel, asked whether wetlands designated as common space "will remain wild and…