High Springs Gives Nod to Saddle Ridge Estates

HIGH SPRINGS ‒ The High Springs City Commission at its April 25, 2024, meeting unanimously approved construction documents for Saddle Ridge Estates, a rural 30-lot subdivision project on 154.06 +/- acres, located off of 142^nd Avenue in the southern part of the High Springs. The subdivision will include a path around the property for horseback riding, a minimum lot size of two acres and the property will not be gated and will not have curbs and gutters. The lots will be serviced by well and septic tanks and the subdivision will have a Homeowners Association (HOA).

Addressing concerns raised by the community, Christopher Potts, JBPro’s Civil Engineering Director, assured the Commission that the Homeowners Association (HOA) would oversee the maintenance of roadways and the implementation of measures to preserve the rural character of the area, including the paths for horseback riding.

Rick Tesla, a member of the City’s Planning and Zoning Board, expressed concern that the trail around the property will be used for ATV and motorcycle riding. Potts said that the path will be rural and not as attractive as a graded path for ATV use, but that the HOA will be responsible for keeping the path for horseback riders.

Prohibition Pizza Urges

Expanded Permits

In other business, a High Springs business is advocating for expanded special permits to address the closure of a local brewery on their operations. The owner of Prohibition Pizza brought attention to the significant impact of the High Springs Brewing Company's closure on their business operations, sparking discussions about the need for expanded permits to support local businesses.

The owner of Prohibition Pizza emphasized that Sunday is one of their busiest days, with an average of 270 pizzas sold both on Saturday and Sunday. However, the closure of the High Springs Brewing Company on a recent Sunday due to a lack of a special permit had a detrimental effect on their ability to accommodate customers.

Expressing their reliance on being able to seat their patrons at the brewery, the owners of Prohibition Pizza urged the Commission to consider expanding permits to find a solution that would benefit all local businesses. They emphasized the potential of extending operating hours to make High Springs a two-day destination for tourists, rather than solely relying on Saturdays.

BMX Camping

In another permit matter, the Commission unanimously approved a Special Event Permit application by High Springs BMX Gold Cut Regional Qualifier, allowing camping on City property. High Springs BMX will be collecting and paying the Alachua County Bed Tax on all fees collected.

The event will begin on Friday evening, June 28, with tent set-up and a small practice. The main event will take place on Saturday and Sunday, June 29-30. An agreement has been drawn up to allow for proper tent set up, sound equipment to be within the City’s noise ordinance.

Saddle Ridge Estates

Swoyer Replat

In other business, a minor replat for two tax parcels known as Swoyer was unanimously approved, aiming to transform the area into a usable commercial parcel. The property currently still has lot lines from the original ‘Columbia Heights’ plat from 1925. The project is located off of U.S. Highway 441, just north of Tractor Supply and south of Boat Ramp Road. Previously the Commission approved the closure of the internal alleyways and roads to accommodate this change, said High Springs Planning Technician Kristyn Adkins.

Joint Resolution

In another property related matter, the Commission resolved property ownership discrepancies with a Joint Resolution. The Commission passed the resolution affirming the City of High Springs as the rightful owner of two tax parcels (00634-000-000 and 00634-001-000), resolving discrepancies in property ownership records and requesting that the Alachua County Property Appraiser adjust their records to show the same.

At some unknown time, the property appraiser’s records indicated the property was owned by the Alachua County Library District. The City of High Springs and Alachua County Library District have been unable to locate any records or documents to support that the Library District has any interest in the parcels.

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