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Planners recommend commercial reclassification for 1.26‑acre church parcel in Archer Tower area
Summary
The Alachua County Planning Commission recommended approval of a small‑scale future‑land‑use amendment and companion rezoning to allow a 1.26‑acre Kanapaha Presbyterian Church parcel near Southwest Archer Road to change from institutional to commercial, with staff and the applicant saying revenues from a sale would support church facilities. Commissioners raised questions about permitted uses and proximity restrictions.
The Alachua County Planning Commission on a routine vote recommended changing the future‑land‑use designation of a 1.26‑acre parcel owned by Kanapaha Presbyterian Church from institutional to commercial and recommended approval of a companion rezoning to the BA commercial district.
Planner Mehdi Benghatkar (Alachua County Growth Management) told commissioners the change would let the site support a wide range of commercial uses inside the Archer Tower Activity Center and that the county’s environmental and land‑use policies supported the request. "If this is approved, it will allow for a wide range of commercial uses within the commercial land‑use designation," he said.
The applicant’s representatives said the church intends to sell the small outparcel to raise funds to maintain church facilities. "It’s just over 1 acre. So realistically, this would probably be the future home of one small business or store," said Clay Swagger of EDA Consultants, who identified himself as working with the church and the prospective developer.
Commissioners probed what BA zoning would permit and whether certain uses would be allowed next to the church. One commissioner asked if adult‑oriented businesses could locate there; county staff replied that the land‑development code contains proximity restrictions and that, because the church parcel is adjacent, the nearest such business would have to be at least 500 feet away measured from property line to property line. "You wouldn't be able to establish a [adult‑oriented] business on this property," staff said.
Staff told the commission that the parcel sits within the Archer Tower Activity Center, adjacent to a UF Health facility and near commercial and multifamily developments, and that the proposed BA zoning is the implementing district for a commercial designation. Staff also cited applicable comprehensive‑plan policies and code criteria that support the recommendation.
There was no public opposition at the hearing. Bill Balki, a session member speaking for Kanapaha Presbyterian Church, said parking is sufficient and the church is seeking additional funding to sustain operations. "Parking is not a problem for us," Balki said.
The commission moved and voted to recommend approval of the small‑scale amendment and the rezoning; staff said both items will go to the Board of County Commissioners for final action next month.
What happens next: The Board of County Commissioners will consider the Planning Commission’s recommendation and take the final vote on the land‑use amendment and rezoning.
Sources: Planning Commission meeting transcript; Alachua County Growth Management staff presentation.
