The St. Johns County commissioners rejected the rezoning request for a 2,673-acre agrihood development proposed by Freehold Communities. The project would have allowed for up to 3,332 residential units, offering a diverse mix that includes single-family homes, townhomes, and specialized age-restricted housing. A focal point of this initiative is the proposed allocation of approximately 18-20 acres for community farms and gardens, all while safeguarding 885 acres of vital wetlands—a combination that reflects a forward-thinking approach to sustainable living.

In 2019, the groundwork was laid with the approval of a change to the Comprehensive Plan to Residential B, marking a significant milestone in the development trajectory, with a commitment from Freehold to construct 7.4 miles of County Road 2209, linking to County Road 208. Importantly, the developer agreed to postpone development until at least 2026, contingent upon the county’s approval of the detailed development plan necessary for the zoning change.

This particular initiative diverged from standard practices, with actions historically executed in tandem, as the planning process extended over several years. The Planning and Zoning Agency recently revisited the proposal, ultimately delivering a 7-0 vote against the recommendation, sending a clear signal to stakeholders regarding the considerable challenges ahead. Despite attempts to tailor the proposal to community expectations, these revisions failed to resonate with county commissioners.

In light of community concerns, Freehold made a strategic move to initially limit development to 500 homes, ensuring no construction would commence before 2028 and that infrastructure improvements to C.R. 2209 would precede any lot platting. Despite these concessions, the commission reiterated its stance, indicating it is not prepared to back a project of this scale at this juncture. Notably, while the developer offered nearly $50 million for roadwork, commissioners expressed apprehension about the low-density, conservation-focused nature of agrihoods and their suitability in the current context.

Doug Miller from England-Thims & Miller, representing the applicant, asserted that no affected road segments are deficient, referencing nearby segments outside the developer’s jurisdiction that are operating over capacity. However, commissioners focused on the overarching challenges of integrating the development of this magnitude into the region and public sentiment.

The existing agreement with the Comprehensive Plan will remain in effect until 2034, providing the developer an opportunity to re-present a revised proposal to the commissioners in the coming year.

St. Johns County stands out as Florida's wealthiest county, boasting an impressive average household income of $136,986 as of 2022 and a vibrant population of 320,110 as reported in the latest Census data for 2023. Unlike neighboring Jacksonville, which is absent from the state’s top 20 wealthiest counties, St. Johns County is rapidly developing and recognized as the fourth fastest-growing county in the United States. It is home to the PGA TOUR and ATP Tour headquarters, serving as a prime bedroom community for Jacksonville while attracting affluent residents seeking a coastal lifestyle that avoids the high density found in cities like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Naples.

This dynamic environment presents an opportune landscape for development, thanks to abundant undeveloped land. However, with rapid growth comes the complexities of gentrification—an increase in property values that can significantly alter community culture. This shift has given rise to a notable "Not in My Backyard" (NIMBY) sentiment, as long-time residents express concern over the pace of change, while newer residents push for the dream of their ideal living environment.

A case in point is The Preserve at Ward’s Creek, a proposed workforce housing project by Dominium that sought to build less than 300 units on 19 acres along County Road 16 near the Silverleaf community. This seemingly promising project faced stiff resistance and was unanimously denied by the St. Johns County Commission in May 2024. One public comment encapsulated the opposition's perspective: “This is not Duval, but it could be if the commissioners of St. Johns County allow this growth to happen,” according to Mike Clark, underscoring the community’s desire to maintain the area's character amidst the looming threat of overdevelopment.

The recent denial of the Agrihood proposal and the earlier rejection of The Preserve at Ward's Creek, a proposed workforce housing project, highlight the growing tension between development and preservation in St. Johns County. As the county continues to evolve, it must balance the needs of its residents with the demands of growth and development.