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NEWBERRY – The Nov. 10, 2025, Newberry City Commission meeting marked a moment of transition as officials prepared to convene in the old City Hall chambers for the final time. Beginning Nov. 24, future Commission meetings will take place in the new City Hall, a nearly complete facility set to open later this month.

Ahead of that change, Mayor Tim Marden reminded residents that he and City Manager Jordan Marlowe will be available to lead group tours of the new building from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Nov. 15, during the Newberry Fall Festival. The preview event offers the public an early look at the city’s consolidated government center before its official debut.

The Commission then addressed land use, planning and community health initiatives as commissioners worked through a broad agenda that included subdivision approvals, interim zoning considerations and a formal request from a local nonprofit.

Quarry Fields Subdivision Approved

Commissioners held a quasi-judicial public hearing before voting to approve a final plat petition from 3002 Surveying, LLC, on behalf of property owner Amanda Moore. The request subdivides a 40-acre tract at 3789 N.W. 202nd Street into four lots. The property, known as Quarry Fields, sits outside the Urban Service Area and carries an Agriculture future land-use classification with Agricultural (A) zoning.

The petition also sought a waiver from preliminary plat and construction plan requirements normally required for a major subdivision under the City’s code. Principal Planner Jean-Paul Perez explained that because each of the four lots will connect directly to an existing public roadway and no new water or wastewater infrastructure is required, the typical preliminary planning steps do not apply in this case.

Following the hearing, the Commission approved the plat and associated waivers as requested.

Interim Zoning Ordinance Considered

Commissioners also advanced the first reading of an interim zoning ordinance designed to support the ongoing rewrite of the City’s land development regulations (LDRs). The initiative follows the City’s 2024 update to nine of the 11 elements in its Comprehensive Plan.

A Comprehensive Plan serves as a long-range blueprint for growth and development, guiding decisions about land use, transportation, housing, infrastructure, conservation and public facilities. Once adopted, the plan is implemented through the LDRs, which contain the specific rules developers and property owners must follow.

Newberry has already secured a consultant to lead the LDR rewrite. In the meantime, staff recommended temporary adjustments to certain subdivision standards to address immediate community needs and to avoid development conflicts while the full rewrite is underway.

During a legislative public hearing, commissioners voted to approve Ordinance 2025-72 on first reading. The measure proposes limited, short-term changes to portions of Appendix B, Article 5 of the City’s Code related to subdivision regulations and street standards.

With Commissioner Mark Clark absent, several commissioners noted that he may wish to offer additional input when the ordinance returns for a second reading. The second reading is scheduled for Nov. 24. If ultimately approved, the interim ordinance would take effect for 12 months and could be extended by a future vote.

Commission Appoints Liaison to THRIVE

During the public comment portion of the meeting, Janeice Smith, a joint founder of THRIVE — a community health and resource initiative — requested that Commissioner Donald Long be formally appointed as liaison between the organization and the City. The ordinance she proposed would authorize him to establish a Board of Directors to guide THRIVE’s efforts while ensuring its work aligns with City policies and regulations.

Smith said she believed the appointment would strengthen collaboration, increase accountability and support long-term community health goals.

After a brief discussion, Commissioner Ricky Coleman moved, and Commissioner Monty Farnsworth seconded, a motion to appoint Long as liaison and to establish an official committee focused on community health issues. The motion passed.

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alachuatoday.com

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