GREEN COVE SPRINGS – The Board of County Commissioners reexamined a request to rezone three parcels totaling approximately 10 acres along County Road 220 and west of Claude Road for a stand-alone emergency room and medical office building.

The proposed rezoning from Agricultural Residential to Private Services would facilitate the development of properties designated for single-family dwellings.

The considered parcels totaling 9.56 acres contain approximately 1,041 feet of frontage along CR 220 and 478 feet on Claude Road. St. Johns Classical Academy is across the street on Claude Road.

However, after being pushed back for reconsideration at the March and April 25 meetings, the BCC decided to consider the item later. This time, the hearing is set for Aug. 22.

After a motion made by Commissioner Mike Cella, the reconsideration measure passed 4-0. The proposed hospital is in Cella’s District 1.

Many technicalities have arisen during the process, as the applicant’s attorney was ill during the March meeting, and the principal was not present in April.

“We’re going to try to rework some legislation and look into revising regulations that address this particular land use and separate some (of) those out that don’t really belong, then run it by the planning commission and then get it back to you,” Cella said. 

The attorney said the process would take approximately 90 days to put together. He said the August date for reconsideration would be most effective. The attorney will also seek to readvertise the motion.

“There is a concern with the residents regarding (the project) because of traffic already next-door at St. Johns and on 220, and the fact that there is nothing else in the area except for residential,” Commissioner Kristen Burke said.