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BCC outlines numerous targets for the new year

Security, housing, growth plans, transportations to be targeted

By Nick Blank nick@claytodayonline.com
Posted 12/15/21

GREEN COVE SPRINGS — Clay County officials met Tuesday afternoon to determine what the county can achieve in 2022 in several areas.

Stakeholders from several municipalities and organizations …

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BCC outlines numerous targets for the new year

Security, housing, growth plans, transportations to be targeted


Posted

GREEN COVE SPRINGS — Clay County officials met Tuesday afternoon to determine what the county can achieve in 2022 in several areas.

Stakeholders from several municipalities and organizations attended a workshop moderated by JAXUSA Vice President of Strategy and Talent Development Anna Lebesch. Commissioners were asked to share an overview of their 2022 objectives for the county and several items overlapped.

First, Chairman Wayne Bolla spoke in favor of enhanced security in the county. He said St. Johns County had 60% of Clay County’s crime rate and the solution was in technology, notably more cameras and geofencing, a process that uses a mobile device to locate warrants.

Another alternative is using Municipal Services Benefit Unit fees to place cameras in homeowner’s associations or communities.

“What I’m suggesting we do is figure out how to fund some of this,” Bolla said.

From conversations with Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook, Bolla said the sheriff would like to consolidate some of the agency’s 16 buildings and have some more suitable facilities for a police station. He said an added police presence in northern Clay County could possibly fit in the Wells Road project.

“We don’t really have a police station here in Clay County,” Bolla said.

Commissioner Betsy Condon said the public deserves to have a comprehensive road plan. She said the county has 250 miles of unpaved roads and several of those roads fall in her district.

“It’s more in-depth than just our road evaluation program,” Condon said.

She also wanted a strategic infrastructure plan for development. She mentioned rampant growth in Lake Asbury and on County Road 220 near Middleburg High School. She said some of the masterplan may be dated.

“We’re a very different county, a very different world today,” Condon added.

Commissioner Mike Cella wanted a few land development code amendments and the creation of a conservation plan. For the code, he wanted to increase lot sizes and have larger setbacks. Cella said he’d like to see more attention to landscaping making trees more prevalent.

“I’m dead set on getting rid of 40-foot fronts,” he said.

He called for wetland credits for responsible development.

“Moving water doesn’t seem to work the way we want it to,” Cella added.

Commissioner Jim Renninger put the spotlight on affordable housing. He said the emergency workers and teachers will face cost of living challenges as they move to the county.

“How could you afford a $310,000 home when you started your career?” Renninger asked.

Renninger mentioned Gateway to Clay, referencing violent crimes in Orange Park. He wanted to solve issues related to blight and the homeless community and also tougher nuisance ordinances to improve quality of life.

“We have persistent problems in the county that we have no way to address,” Renninger said.

Commissioner Kristen Burke said county policies should be tougher on developments that request zoning changes. She also wanted more specifications for retention ponds and burrow pits for developments.

“We need to correct that [zoning] loophole. We shouldn’t have to be worried if we’re getting tricked,” Burke said.

She said a Community Redevelopment Agency for Green Cove Springs would positively impact the area. A CRA applies local tax dollars to improvements in a defined district.

“Green Cove is our county seat and we need to be working together with the city and support them now as the growth continues,” Burke said.

Other issues brought forward included attracting businesses, animal control, expanded adult recreation, broadband, litter and transportation improvements. Toward the end of the workshop, commissioners said they were appreciative to hear each other’s thoughts in a forum format.