Agenda Item Name:
Title
Flint Rock Agrihood - Approve Conservation Easement in favor of Alachua County
End
Presenter:
Stephen Hofstetter, 352-264-6811
Description:
The Flint Rock Agrihood project proposes a 96-lot Rural/Ag Clustered Subdivision and associated infrastructure improvements located on approximately 382 acres. The most northern contiguous 233 acres of the property is part of the Hickory Sink Strategic Ecosystem. To meet the applicable code requirements for rural/agriculture subdivisions and strategic ecosystem protection, the applicant has proposed habitat preservation and restoration encompassing the most northern 151 acres of the property. This designated “Conservation Area” will be protected in perpetuity with a recorded Conservation Easement conveyed to Alachua County.
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approve the Conservation Easement
End
Prior Board Motions:
BoCC approved the Preliminary Development Plan (PDP) on June 23, 2020. DRC approved Final Development Plan (FDP) on October 15, 2020.
Fiscal Consideration:
Fiscal Consideration
N/A
End
Background:
Within the referenced 151-acre “Conservation Area,” there are six geologic depression features with expanded upland buffers combined into two separate designated “Conservation Management Areas” (CMAs) for a total of 19 acres. The designated Conservation Area represents one of the larger habitat preservation areas within a development project authorized within recent years by the BoCC. In addition, one of the more unique aspects of the Flint Rock project will be the incorporation of habitat and land management activities conducted through the non-profit land organization, Alachua County Trust (ACT) as well as assistance through the Univ. of Florida’s Program for Resource Efficient Communities. In addition to preparing portions of the Flint Rock Open Space Management Plan (OSMP, incorporated as referenced in the Conservation Easement), ACT staff have the knowledge and experience to conduct appropriate native habitat restoration and associated management activities. Within an estimated two years from project commencement, the proposed plan includes conveying ownership of the 151 acres from the Flint Rock Agrihood, LLC to ACT. However, even after conveyance, Alachua County will remain as the designated grantee of the Conservation Easement. Continued coordination and collaboration between representatives of Flint Rock, ACT and EPD staff will result in minor adjustments to the OSMP as deemed appropriate for additional habitat improvements. The County has a standard procedure that permanent easements to be granted to the County are placed on Consent Agenda for approval by the BoCC, and are Approved as to Form by the County Attorney and signed by the Chair. Staff is therefore bringing this item forth to fulfill this standard procedure