Protect Paynes Prairie

Written By Ryan Worthington

CURRENT ISSUE:

Maronda Homes, a development company headquartered in Pennsylvania, has requested that 73 acres of habitat adjacent to Paynes Prairie State Park off of 441 be rezoned, so they can build 134 houses.

WHY IS THIS BAD?

A development so close to Paynes Prairie will lead to:

  • Habitat Fragmentation: Animals will not be able to travel from one natural area to another, harming populations

  • Loss of Groundwater Recharge Area: Water will not be able to replenish the aquifer

  • Increase In Polluted Runoff: Dirty water from backyards, driveways, etc. will harm nearby ecosystems

  • A gateway for more developments on or around protected lands

 

TAKE ACTION:

ATTEND AND SPEAK AT THE PUBLIC HEARINGS

There will be two public hearings to consider this application: one before the Planning Commission and one before the Board of County Commissioners. These hearings could begin as soon as August 2025.

The public can request to be notified of the hearing dates once they are set by signing up at: https://growth-management.alachuacounty.us/PublicComment

All members of the public are welcome to attend and provide general public comment during the hearings.

SUBMIT WRITTEN COMMENTS

Party Status is not needed to submit written comments at: https://growth-management.alachuacounty.us/PublicComment

You may also email comments directly to the County Commission at: bocc@alachuacounty.us. All submitted comments will become part of the official record for the Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners hearings.

 

A message from Alachua County:

CLARIFICATIONS REGARDING A PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT NEAR PAYNES PRAIRIE STATE PARK

We understand that questions and concerns are circulating about a potential development near Paynes Prairie, known as Gainesville Preserve. Alachua County would like to provide the following facts and guidance.

THE SITE OF THE DEVELOPMENT

The property in question is privately owned land adjacent to the park. A private landowner is submitting a rezoning application to Alachua County. The proposal seeks to change the zoning to allow for single-family residential development.

It is not in Paynes Prairie State Park, and Alachua County is not selling any conservation land for this project.

THE PROCESS IS QUASI-JUDICIAL

This rezoning request will be considered through a quasi-judicial hearing process, which means that the County Commission must act as impartial decision-makers, like a judge. All decisions must be based solely on the evidence and testimony presented at the public hearings. This includes written materials submitted by the applicant or the public during the review process. As such, Commissioners cannot discuss the proposal or share opinions in advance. At this time, we have no details to share beyond the procedural information provided here.

IF YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE PROPOSED REZONING OR WISH TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROCESS, THERE ARE SEVERAL WAYS TO DO SO:

REQUEST PARTY STATUS

If you live near the proposed development site or believe you are more directly affected than the general public, you may request “party status.” This status allows you to present evidence for or against the proposal at the public hearings and have additional time to speak and cross-examine witnesses during the hearings.

To request party status, please visit: https://growth-management.alachuacounty.us/PublicComment

The project name is “Z25-000017 Gainesville Preserve Rezoning.”

We hope this information helps clarify the situation and provides guidance on how to participate in the process.

 
Ryan Worthington
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