Q: Can you give your thoughts on the large number of apartments under construction on Race Track Road?
A: The apartment complex under construction near the intersection with St. Johns Parkway was approved in 2019, before I became a county commissioner. I’m not privy to the details, but being a longtime resident, this does seem like an odd fit for the area. I’m not sure I would have approved it since it is in the middle of single family homes in addition to the amount of traffic it will generate along that stretch of Race Track Road.
Another apartment complex is under construction near the intersection with US Highway 1. I was part of the commission that approved this project unanimously, for several reasons. First, it’s near US 1 and across the street from another apartment complex so it fits the area. Secondly, the old Best Bet, which was torn down on this piece of land, had been vacant for years and was an eyesore and we had safety concerns. These apartments will be at market rate, not low income.
We do need apartments in the northwest part of the county to house some of our teachers and first responders. The apartments just need to be in the right place.
Q: What reasons did you consider for your approval in May of the additional homes to the Silverleaf project?
A: First, the original 10,800 units in Silverleaf were approved in 2006. In May, this commission approved 5,600 more homes and most won’t begin construction until 2030. The project is scheduled for a 25-year build-out, which gives the county time to manage and plan for the growth.
Additionally, Silverleaf developers gave us more upfront infrastructure than any other project I’ve seen. They will spend $150 million on roads upfront, before construction begins. They donated three school sites. These sites are donated, not offered in lieu of impact fees. There will be 198 acres of parks and 4,700 acres of conservation and open space.
For the part of the project that is along the William Bartram Scenic Highway, a drive that everyone enjoys and must be preserved, they listened to our requirements. Anything that abuts this scenic highway will be one unit per five acres and a 75-foot buffer, which is three times the required amount. This is the lowest density of any development I’ve ever seen.
If every development application in the last 20 years gave us this much infrastructure and this much time to plan, we would not have the deficiencies we now have.
Q: What are your thoughts on the sheriff’s proposed budget that he presented at the June commission meeting?
A: Sheriff Hardwick’s proposed budget for 2023 includes a significant increase in pay for his rank and file deputies, not the command staff. These are the deputies charged with keeping us safe. The salary increase will hopefully make these positions more competitive and allow for some inflation. I will be supporting his proposed budget.
Q: Do you have anything else to share with District 1?
A: Borland Groover is coming to District 1. They will be building a new facility off St. Johns Parkway, which is already properly zoned. They applied for an economic incentive package, which the commission just approved because they will be bringing high paying jobs to the area. It’s also a new service for our community so I’m excited. They plan to break ground in a few months and hopefully open sometime next year.
Q: What is the best way for our readers to contact you?
A: Readers can email me at bcc1cwhitehurst@sjcfl.us or call me at (904) 584-5348.
