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Commission transmits Governor's Park expansion for state review after contentious public hearing
Summary
The board voted 5–0 to transmit a large‑scale comprehensive‑plan amendment to add roughly 1,265 acres (G Bar/Gustafson property) into the Governor's Park DRI/PUD despite strong public concerns about wildlife habitat, water resources and traffic.
After lengthy public testimony, the Clay County commission voted unanimously to transmit a proposed comprehensive‑plan amendment that would add ~1,265 acres (the G Bar/Gustafson property) into the Governor's Park DRI/PUD.
Applicant counsel Ellen Avery Smith and landowner Kevin Kramer presented maps showing proposed roadway extensions (Clay Dairy Parkway, Medallion Boulevard) and a plan to concentrate commercial/medical square footage near the First Coast Expressway interchange. The applicant emphasized the proposal would not increase the total number of residential units for the overall DRI (the proposal retained the 7,000‑unit cap) but would reallocate nonresidential entitlements. The presentation estimated major roadway projects and cumulative nonresidential square footage increases to serve South Clay County.
Opponents focused on environmental and traffic concerns: speakers cited outdated wildlife assessments (2021) and argued gopher tortoise and black bear habitat could be harmed; others questioned reliance on the First Coast Expressway to absorb traffic. Staff and the applicant noted compliance with environmental law and that the transmittal will allow state reviewing agencies (DOT, DEP, water‑management district, Fish & Wildlife) to provide formal comments. The board voted to transmit the amendment for state review, which begins the formal intergovernmental review process.
