St. Johns County commissioners voted to explore legal options related to a proposed development that could affect more than 4,400 acres of agricultural land near Nocatee, according to reporting on the meeting.
The discussion centered on Senate Bill 686, a state law described as creating a faster path for development on qualifying agricultural land. The county could consider a legal challenge to the law, including a possible injunction.
Commission vote and deadline
The report said commissioners voted 3-2 on a motion to deny the development proposal, with Commissioners Sarah Arnold and Christian Whitehurst voting to approve it. It also reported that Arnold and Whitehurst opposed pursuing legal action against the state law.
The reporting described uncertainty about the effect of the commission’s actions. It said that, without a decision to approve or deny the proposal by Sept. 28, the land could automatically be certified as an Agricultural Enclave under the law.
Residents raise concerns
Dozens of residents attended the meeting, which reportedly lasted more than four hours, and urged commissioners to stop the development.
Residents also questioned whether the application satisfied requirements under the new law and raised concerns about the county’s potential costs if it pursues litigation. Supporters of the law have said it protects property rights and could help address housing needs, according to the report.
It remains unclear whether the county’s prospective legal action would prevent the project from moving ahead.