GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Rafael Hinojosa stepped out to his backyard through a line of trees and faced an earthen mound that was higher in elevation than the rest of his property. 

His property on Silver Creek backs up to the eastern edge of the upcoming development.

The earthen mound is just about eye level with him. It appears to be a foundation for a row of single-family homes that will be built for an upcoming housing development called Russell Retreat, which is being constructed on Russell Road. 

“Russell Retreat? More like Mount Russell if anything,” Hinojosa  said.

Hinojosa bought his home in 2004. He’s enjoyed the sounds of nature and the setting sun through the trees. With a row of homes planned to be built on a raised earthen foundation, Hinojosa doubts he will be able to see the sunset again. 

A nearby neighbor named Angela Palmer voiced her concerns. Palmer and her family have lived in their home for over 20 years. 

“I wouldn’t mind the houses. But the mounds of dirt have been building and building four to five feet off the ground. They put up a plastic barrier, but sediment has flooded over and into my property,” Palmer said. 

There is a shallow drainage ditch between the properties, but the residents doubt it will be a sufficient buffer. 

“The easement is going to get flooded. Our yards are going to get flooded,” Palmer said.

“Am I happy with it? Not really,” said another resident. “Animals have been displaced. When their dump trucks unload, they rattle the windows.”

According to the Clay County Property Appraiser’s Office, the property is 19.27 acres and will soon have 51 single-family homes. 

“In 2022, Sessions Development acquired, planned, entitled, and then sold this property to Lennar Homes. Residents of this community will enjoy close proximity to Fleming Island, the newly constructed First Coast Expressway, Clay County’s A-Rated school district, and quick access to various parks and recreation areas inside and outside the community,” according to Sessions Development. 

WAY Radio (550 AM), a Christian Teaching and Talk radio station, backs up to the western edge. 

A WAY Radio manager said he had no problems with the development next door, but he says the surrounding community might be in trouble. 

“Russell Road is not ready for 5,000 new homes. On the one hand, I’m looking forward to the development, and our new neighbors and new ears for our radio station. But there are bad accidents on Russell Road. It’s not good.”

Usina Contracting declined to comment. Lennar could not be reached. 

During last Tuesday’s Board of County Commissioners meeting, Hinojosa made one last petition before the dais. 

“I am here again to continue the fight against the Lennar Corporation’s ‘Russell Retreat’ AKA ‘Russell Mountain.’ I’m here to put a spotlight on the developer’s disregard to the way this will affect the adjacent community of Silver Creek, the tranquility and peace we have enjoyed for twenty years,” Hinojosa said.

“The landscape has contorted and elevated five feet higher to accommodate a high-density development. (This) will create flooding issues and also add 150 cars to the already congested Russell Road corridor. (Also) a vertical wall of two-story houses, one after the other,” he said. 

Commissioner Betsy Condon said the zoning was approved in 2005. 

The plans for the development predate all of us on the Commission,” Condon said. 

It appeared that the BCC’s hands were tied. 

“I think you are right to work through engineering your concerns expressed at the last meeting and with your commissioner (Commissioner Kristen Burke), but otherwise, there is nothing the five of us (the BCC) can do to stop this. Staff can help you with drainage.”

Commissioner Kristen Burke met with Hinojosa after the meeting and appeared sympathetic. The next day, Hinojosa met with the assistant county manager to find a solution. He hopes to work out a comprise, an assurance for no more flooding onto his and his neighbor’s property. 

“I am worried I am going to see a line of white picket fences at eye level,” Hinojosa said.