GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Since last year, residents along Shedd Road have been living in fear. The proposed development to build 62 additional homes nearby threatened their way of life. In their eyes, the development would bring flooding, traffic and pollution. It would mean erasing a beloved rural community, home to people and wildlife.

A St. Augustine-based developer, Matthews DCCM representative, responded to criticisms and concerns at last Tuesday’s BCC meeting. More importantly, the representative requested to continue the discussion at the Feb. 27 meeting when the property owner would be in town to speak on his behalf.

“The neighbors are very passionate,” the representative said, referring to the Shedd Road residents. “We made changes. We are attempting to address these concerns. Hopefully, my client can build his property.”

A myriad of concerned residents came out to bring forth those concerns. The residents cited the Planning and Zoning Board’s 5-1 decision to deny development.

• “This is not smart growth,” said one resident. “Keeping some land agricultural is not a bad thing.”

• “This puts our neighborhood and children at risk,” said another resident. “There should be no continuance. The answer is obvious.”

• “I love playing outside,” said a fifth-grader. “The new community will make it harder.”

• “You do not improve property by endangering surrounding communities,” said another resident.

• “The developer didn’t show up (to the HOA meeting) without any notice,” said another.

• “We are the original Clay County,” said another resident. “Let them build with their current zoning.”

• “Does he (the developer) plan on digging out a new road and installing drainage?”

“We were given a date, not a location,” said the representative, referring to the no-show at the HOA meeting. “He wants to build and live in this community,” she said.

Vice-Chair Mike Cella was against the continuance, especially since the absent developer didn’t impress him.

“Many of (these) issues are not going to be solved anytime soon,” said Cella. “The developer chose not to be here… Residents have come out meeting after meeting after meeting. It’s been hanging over their heads.”

“I don’t see light at the end of the tunnel,” said Chairman Jim Renninger.

The BCC voted 3-2 to deny the continuance. Renninger and Compere were the dissenting votes. With the continuance denied, the representative withdrew the rezoning application.