Resident warns board that proposed Terra West development could harm Mill Creek Sink; county to submit data and pursue party status

A citizen raised environmental and water‑resource concerns about a proposed Terra West Forest subdivision before the board and urged county involvement in an upcoming City of Alachua quasi‑judicial hearing.

Derek Dunlop told commissioners the proposed plan covers approximately 198 acres and would allow about 523 single‑family lots near Exit 399 on I‑75; he said dye‑trace studies show that inputs at the Mill Creek Sink are traced to Hornsby Spring and ultimately reach the Santa Fe River, and that the watershed is sensitive to surface runoff.

The board discussed options: commissioners agreed to send a chair letter to the City of Alachua expressing concern and said staff would compile and transmit county reports and dye‑trace analyses to the city. Staff indicated they will seek party status in the municipal hearing process where allowed and will brief the board at the Aug. 22 budget meeting. County environmental staff confirmed they can provide reports and technical input to the city and that staff will explore the process for requesting affected‑party status under municipal quasi‑judicial procedures.

Commissioners urged the public to monitor the city’s hearing schedule; staff said a draft letter would be circulated to commissioners and a data package would follow. The board voted to authorize sending the letter and directed staff to file for party status if the municipal rules require a party‑status filing by the hearing date.