The dream of an "Agrihood" – a community centered around agriculture and sustainable living—has found a new home in Clay County, Florida, after facing significant hurdles in neighboring St. Johns County. Freehold Capital Management, a developer with a portfolio of successful Agrihood projects, announced in January its acquisitionin Green Cove Springs for a new 4489-home community called Saratoga Springs. This acquisition signals of 2,445 acres a strategic shift after encountering strong anti-development sentiment in St. Johns.  

Freehold's initial plans involved a 2,673-acre Agrihood in St. Johns County, a project that promised a mix of housing options, dedicated farmland, and preserved wetlands. Despite being the successful developer of Shearwater in the county and this project aligning with the county's Comprehensive Plan and offering significant infrastructure improvements, including a $50 million investment in roadwork, the proposal faced staunch opposition.

Several factors contributed to this resistance:

• NIMBYism: St. Johns County, known as Florida's wealthiest county and one of the fastest-growing in the nation, is experiencing a surge in development that has triggered a strong "Not in My Backyard" (NIMBY) sentiment. Long-time residents fear the erosion of their community's character, while newer residents seek to protect their desired lifestyle.

• Concerns about Density and Character: Even with concessions from Freehold, such as limiting initial development and delaying construction, commissioners expressed concerns about the suitability of a large-scale development, even one focused on conservation and low-density living, within the existing context of the county. The perception was that even an Agrihood would contribute to unwanted growth.

• Fear of "Becoming Duval": The rejection of a separate workforce housing project, The Preserve at Ward’s Creek, further illustrates this sentiment. Public comments explicitly expressed a fear of St. Johns becoming like neighboring Duval County (Jacksonville), perceived as more densely populated and less affluent. This fear underscores a strong desire to maintain the county's current character and resist rapid urbanization.

Clay County Embraces the Agrihood Vision

Following the St. Johns setback, Freehold shifted its focus to Clay County, acquiring a substantial parcel of land in Green Cove Springs. The new Saratoga Springs project echoes the core principles of the original proposal, promising:

• Farm-to-Table Living: The community will feature dedicated farmland, fostering a connection to nature and providing residents with fresh, locally sourced food.  

• Sustainable Lifestyle: Amenities will be designed to encourage outdoor activities and a healthy lifestyle, emphasizing the integration of agriculture into the residential setting.  

• Thoughtfully Crafted Homes: Saratoga Springs will offer a variety of housing options within a master-planned community.  

  
  

This move to Clay County represents a strategic adaptation to the differing development climates in the region. While St. Johns County grapples with the complexities of rapid growth and resident resistance, Clay County appears more receptive to projects that offer a unique blend of residential living and agricultural integration.

Lessons Learned and Future Outlook

The journey of the Saratoga Springs Agrihood highlights the challenges developers face navigating the evolving landscape of Florida's real estate market. The strong anti-development sentiment in St. Johns County underscores the importance of:

• Community Engagement: Developers must prioritize genuine engagement with local communities to understand their concerns and tailor projects accordingly.

• Addressing Infrastructure Needs: Demonstrating a commitment to addressing infrastructure needs, such as road improvements, is crucial for gaining community and regulatory support.

• Highlighting Benefits: Effectively communicating the benefits of a project, such as sustainable living, conservation efforts, and economic contributions, is essential for overcoming NIMBYism.

  
  

The success of Saratoga Springs in Clay County will serve as a valuable case study for future Agrihood developments in the region. It demonstrates that while resistance to growth is a significant factor, finding the right location and effectively communicating a project’s value can pave the way for successful and innovative community development.