News Summary
The St. Johns County Board of Commissioners has approved the Tidal 210 townhome development, consisting of 297 units on 65 acres near County Road 210. Despite opposition concerning traffic impact, the project was supported by three commissioners who believe it will generate less traffic than previous zoning allowances. Concerns from local residents highlight the potential for increased congestion. The development aims to maintain wetlands and contribute to local infrastructure improvements with $2.7 million in road impact fees.
St. Johns County Approves Tidal 210 Townhome Development Despite Traffic Concerns
The St. Johns County Board of Commissioners has green-lighted a 297-townhome development known as Tidal 210, following a vote on May 6, 2025. The project, which will span approximately 65 acres near County Road 210, is located about half a mile east of Interstate 95.
This decision came as the board voted 3-2 to approve the rezoning of the property from Commercial Highway Tourist to Planned Unit Development, allowing for the construction of the townhomes. Commissioners Sarah Arnold, Clay Murphy, and Christian Whitehurst supported the proposal, while Krista Joseph and Ann Taylor opposed it.
The site was sold for $13 million by Gate Petroleum Co. through Durbin Creek National LLC to Mattamy Homes via Mattamy Jacksonville LLC. Prior to the board’s decision, a meeting of the Planning and Zoning Agency resulted in a split 3-3 vote regarding the rezoning recommendation.
Local Concerns
Development Details
According to the application, Tidal 210 is planned to be a high-end, gated community situated in an area that already hosts medical offices and retail space, in addition to a future Publix pharmaceutical production facility. The developer aims to preserve most of the on-site wetlands linked to the Twelve Mile Swamp Conservation Area.
The project is also set to contribute approximately $2.7 million in road impact fees intended to fund transportation improvements, which may include a proposed fifth lane on County Road 210. Proponents of the development, including Commissioner Sarah Arnold, noted that the project is expected to generate less traffic than other potential developments permitted under the previous zoning classification.
Opposition and Legal Perspective
Despite the arguments in favor of Tidal 210, opponents, including Commissioner Ann Taylor, expressed that the intersection was already operating at 171% of capacity and adding more vehicles would create further complications. In defense of the project, the attorney for the developer pointed out that under the previous zoning, they could have pursued more intensive developments that would yield significantly higher traffic counts, potentially up to 16,000 trips per day. In contrast, Tidal 210 is projected to generate approximately 1,900 trips per day.
Future Development Timeline
The next stages of development for Tidal 210 are anticipated to begin within the next three years and are expected to unfold over a 10-year timeline, aiming for completion no later than 2028.
As the planning and construction phases move forward, the focus will remain on addressing community concerns regarding traffic and infrastructure to ensure that the development integrates smoothly into the existing landscape of St. Johns County.
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Jax Daily Record: St. Johns County Land Sale
- News4Jax: St. Johns County Approves Townhome Development
- St. Augustine: St. Johns Commission Approves Townhomes
- News4Jax: Traffic Alert in St. Johns County
- Wikipedia: Urban Sprawl
