DRC approves Hagee Berry boat ramp improvements with environmental conditions

The Alachua County Development Review Committee on Aug. 15 approved a final development plan and floodplain development permit for the Hagee Berry Boat Ramp, a public dock improvement extending into Alachua County’s jurisdiction on Orange Lake.

Jacob Stau, planner for Growth Management, told the committee staff recommended approval with conditions, saying the application proposes two docks — the southern dock at about 618 square feet and the northern dock at about 907 square feet — and that the project would require any necessary Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) permits. "Staff finds that the proposed final development plan and floodplain development permit is consistent with the Alachua County comprehensive plan and unified land development code and recommends approval with conditions," Stau said.

Stau noted the project lies partly within Marion County park lands, but that the DRC is evaluating the portion extending into Alachua County waters. Staff recommended two conditions of approval: submission of required FDEP permits or letters of consent to the Alachua County Environmental Protection Department before construction begins, and a prohibition on aquatic vegetation removal without prior county authorization.

An applicant representative, Jose Lopez, said he had no additional presentation and was available for questions. After no committee questions, a committee member moved to approve the revised final development plan and floodplain permit with the stated conditions; the motion was seconded and the chair announced the motion passed.

The approval was recorded as a DRC decision with conditions; the motion's specific vote tally was not listed in the transcript.