Citing a need for more information, the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners voted Sept. 16 to delay a decision on a special magistrate’s recommendation on a disputed “agrihood” mixed-use development west of St. Augustine.
At issue was the board’s 2024 denial of a rezoning of more than 2,600 acres for the proposed development, which was designed to include 2,077 single-family homes, 3,332 total residential units, and 250,000 square feet of retail and commercial space.
It would include up to 3,332 residential units, comprising up to 2,077 single-family homes, 340 townhomes and 915 age-restricted single-family units. The property is between County Roads 208 and 214
The denial prompted the property owner, Robinson Improvement Co., to invoke Florida’s Land Use and Environmental Dispute Resolution Act, or FLUEDRA. The statute offers mediation and review by a special magistrate as an alternative to litigation.
After holding a hearing in July, Special Magistrate John Trainer issued a report in August siding in part with the Robinson.
Trainer concluded that the company had a reasonable expectation the site could be rezoned consistent with a 2019 decision by the county commissioners to change the land use from rural silviculture to Residential-B. That amendment capped development at 3,332 homes, delayed construction until 2026 and required Robinson to donate 7.4 acres for a possible County Road 209 extension if requested by 2034.
Trainer said the denial, combined with the land donation, created an unfair burden on Robinson. At the same time, he recommended safeguards, including growth caps, phased construction and infrastructure requirements to mitigate impacts.
That report left commissioners with four choices at its Sept. 16 meeting: Adopt Trainer’s recommendation, modify it, reject it outright, or take no action — a move that would have the same effect as rejection.
Commissioners said too many questions remain, including how the recommendation fits with a state review of the county’s comprehensive plan that started in 2019.
Commissioner Christian Whitehurst said he was not ready to gamble with taxpayer money.
“I don’t feel comfortable playing Russian roulette with tax dollars when we could still be seeking more information,” he said.
Commissioner Sarah Arnold echoed the call for caution, noting she would like to hear from the county’s still-forming agricultural advisory committee before making a decision.
The board did not set a date for when the issue will return, leaving the future of the project — and the county’s legal strategy — unresolved.
Chair Krista Joseph was not present for the meeting.
Dozens of residents have turned out to speak against the rezoning at multiple meetings. They cited concerns over traffic congestion on rural roads, the loss of agricultural land and the scale of a 3,000-home project in a mostly undeveloped part of the county.
Several speakers have said the county should take no action and be prepared to defend its stance in court if Robinson sues.