News Summary
Aegis Gibson LLC has revised its home construction plans in St. Johns County, reducing the project size from 3,000 to just 205 homes in response to community opposition and a unanimous denial from the Planning and Zoning Agency. Originally known as Water Lily and spanning 1,030 acres, the new proposal named Tocoi River Estates commits to preserving wetlands and creating open spaces while aiming to generate significant tax revenue for the county.
St. Johns County, Florida – Aegis Gibson LLC, based in Jacksonville, has announced a revised plan to construct 205 homes in St. Johns County, significantly scaling back from its original proposal to build 3,000 homes and commercial space. This drastic reduction in the project’s size comes in response to community opposition and a unanimous decision by the county’s Planning and Zoning Agency to deny the initial mixed-use development.
Previously titled Water Lily, the original development aimed to create a 1,030-acre community featuring 2,800 homes and around 385,000 square feet of commercial space. Located roughly 15 miles west of the Interstate 95 interchange with County Road 207 and about 13 miles north of Hastings, the project has been rebranded as Tocoi River Estates. The updated proposal seeks to develop a more manageable residential community along the St. Johns River.
Under the new plans, Tocoi River Estates aims to preserve over 265 acres of wetlands while dedicating an additional 200 acres for open space and trails. This commitment to sustainability and environmental protection aligns with the company’s objective of responsible land development, balancing growth with ecological considerations. The residential community is intended to be non-age-restricted, ensuring a diverse range of residents can inhabit the new homes.
According to Aegis Gibson, the revised proposal could generate an estimated $3.5 million in annual ad-valorem tax revenue for the county once the development is completed. This economic impact is a key factor as the company emphasizes its efforts to engage with the local community during the development revision process.
While the old project was met with considerable resistance from neighboring residents, who expressed concerns regarding density, traffic, and environmental issues, Aegis Gibson stated that it has “listened to the neighborhood” in formulating its new plans. The new proposal reflects a shift towards a smaller and likely more acceptable development that aims to address these community concerns.
Aegis Gibson has yet to schedule a hearing with the county’s Planning and Zoning Agency for the updated project. The timeline for public review and the potential for further modifications depends on forthcoming discussions with the agency and the community.
The changes made to the Tocoi River Estates project highlight the importance of community feedback in the planning process. Stakeholders are increasingly recognizing that successful developments must integrate local priorities and environmental needs, ensuring that growth does not come at the expense of the community’s wellbeing or the area’s ecological integrity.
This substantial modification in the size and scope of the project is a noteworthy illustration of how developers can adapt their plans based on public sentiment and regulatory guidance, showcasing a shift toward more conscientious development practices in St. Johns County.
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Additional Resources
- Jax Daily Record: Developer Downsizes Initial Water Lily Plans
- News4Jax: St. Johns County Commission Approves 297 Townhome Development
- St. Augustine: St. Johns Commission Approves 297 Townhomes
- Wikipedia: Town Development
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Urban Planning
