Board splits on small‑scale comp‑plan change to allow commercial parcel off SR‑442 after heated public comment on wetlands and flooding

A developer‑led request to change 14.128 acres from county conservation to city commercial with a conservation overlay (CPA2402) prompted a large community turnout. Staff described the reduced scope from an earlier 38‑acre request, noted that the attached wetland survey identified multiple wetland parcels and that uplands total roughly 5.115 and 1.687 acres in two identified uplands. Staff said conservation overlay requires a 25‑ft buffer from wetlands and suggested mitigations and easements would be required.

Speakers including Patrick Fisher, Gina Holt and others urged denial, arguing the parcel is part of an extensive hydrological corridor, that the change would enable incremental conversion of wetlands to development and that mitigation costs are high. Patrick Fisher summarized environmental objections: “This amendment change would also open access… potentially leading to further CPA and RZ requests,” and called on the board to repeat a prior denial. The applicant (Jerry Khan) and supporters argued the change narrows the development footprint, that the uplands are already buildable, and that conservation easements would be provided; the applicant said deeds and covenants could be written to limit future development.

After debate the board sent a favorable recommendation for the comprehensive plan amendment by roll call; subsequent related rezoning (RZ2403) produced contested motions and an unfavorable recommendation toward council in one recorded motion. Staff reminded the public that any wetlands impacts would require permits from St. Johns River Water Management District and the Army Corps as well as compensatory mitigation.