In light of the Commission’s goal to promote economic development, I am pleased to share that the redevelopment of Seabridge Square Shopping Center is well underway and is reportedly fully leased.
Among the tenants for the updated commercial center are Ross, Ulta, and Staples. In addition, site construction of a new building for a restaurant and dental offices on the east side of the property along US-1 was approved by the County Commission in September.
The Board of County Commissioners also recently approved conceptual comprehensive plan amendments for the St. Johns Market Place, generally located at the intersection of I-95 and SR-207. When complete, the project could offer an interesting mix of commercial, light industrial and residential development. According to the applicant, the site can accommodate 500,000-square-feet of commercial space, 500,000-square-feet of industrial space, plus 500 hotel rooms, and 250 multi-family units. With these plans in mind, this site has great potential for promoting positive economic development at one of our County’s most prominent I-95 intersections.
On a similar note, Continental Auto Truck Service Center recently submitted requests for rezoning at the intersection of I-95 and SR-206. I would like to extend a warm welcome to all of the economic development partners and businesses who have chosen to call St. Johns County home.
As you may know, St. Johns County continues to lead the way in residential development by consistently issuing more permits than all surrounding counties. I am happy to report that district three will continue to offer residents an array of housing options, as a number of new single family and multi-family development plans have been submitted to our Growth Management division for review. Proposed developments currently under review include Valencia Apartments, located on Watson Road just east of US-1, St. Augustine Reserve, located on Watson Road west of US-1, and Ocean Cay, which plans to build on Mizell Road between Pope and 16th on Anastasia Island.
Additionally, two other single family housing developments in the works at Datil Pepper Road and Wildwood Drive. We also welcome The Deerfield Preserve Subdivision which may soon enter construction off Rolling Hill Drive. I look forward to watching these commercial and residential projects evolve and reviewing the details as they come before the Board of County Commissioners in the future.
I would like to mention that County staff recently met with the new owners of a large parcel located on both the north and south side of SR-206 west of I-95. We look forward to working with the owners of this land as they draft plans for construction of Kings Grant, a 999 single family housing development.
The intersection of US-1 at Wildwood drive has been the subject of several studies related to operations, access, and safety, including a Florida Department of Transportation review and a St. Johns County comprehensive corridor plan for Wildwood Drive.
As a result, the St. Johns County Engineering Department is including a construction project in the proposed 2015 Capital Improvement Plan that will facilitate a substantially improved and safer flow of traffic on both roads and at this intersection. Components will include additional turn lanes to Wildwood Drive and improved access to the shopping center. If funded, the project will be implemented in 2016.
The St. Johns County School District recently announced the 2013-2014 Teacher of the Year nominees. Selected by their colleagues for this prestigious honor, the nominees represent the very best among St. Johns County School District teachers.
Finalists include Marion Boyd, Daryl Cullipher, Sarah Sacharski, Nick Vasiliades, Ewa Kolk. The overall winner will be announced at the annual Teacher of the Year and Rookie Teacher of the Year Celebration on Thursday, February 13 at the Renaissance Resort at the World Golf Village. The St. Johns County Teacher of the Year will then be included for consideration as the Florida Department of Education Macy’s Teacher of the Year 2014.
Congratulations to all of the nominees — you make me proud to be a parent of two St. Johns County students.
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