ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – The Land Acquisition and Management Program (LAMP) board recently presented its updated property recommendation list, spotlighting several key properties for potential acquisition.
At the top of this list is a 195-acre undeveloped commercial frontage on Shores Boulevard. This property, located just north of the Moses Creek Conservation Area, is seen as having significant potential for recreational use.
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To aid in securing this land, the board has allocated $1 million to support federal and grant proposals, with the North Florida Land Trust involved in funding discussions.
“The number one is we have that funding source available, but again, it all goes back to what the property owner wants. And again, we’re working with that property owner in the negotiations. We’re basically in the due diligence phase, appraisals and all of that stuff has to go on first,” Environmental Supervisor Ryan Mauch said.
However, the property is also attracting interest from developers, which adds a layer of complexity to the county’s acquisition efforts.
“A reminder this is a program everybody wants to acquire the property, but there is a ticking clock on the opportunity so we will all be making trips to Tallahassee,” Commissioner Christian Whitehurst said.
News4JAX spoke with a resident who lives off of Shores and said he falls right in the middle of development and conservation.
“You don’t want to build out everything because you will lose the luster of the greenery and forest and the natural and drive out the animals, I have seen deer wondering where to go, but I think some development is good.” Mark Amaaile said.
The county’s potential conservation list also includes four other notable properties. Here’s all five ranked in order of priority:
Shores Boulevard Property: A 195-acre undeveloped commercial frontage, part of the Saint Augustine Shores Planned Unit Development (PUD), located just north of the Moses Creek Conservation Area.
Bishop Estates Property: This property is prioritized for its potential to enhance recreational access and conservation efforts. The county is in the process of acquiring.
Pellicer Creek Property: New to the LAMP program, this property involves purchasing development rights rather than outright ownership, aiming to keep its creek frontage relatively undeveloped.
Hawkins Island: A 13-acre maritime forest island in the Matanzas River, proposed for preservation due to its lack of current access, with potential recreational opportunities accessible by boat.
County Road 13 North Property: Owned by the Forest Group, this 457-acre area consists mostly of planted pine and mixed hardwoods, with potential for passive recreation development.
The commissioners' approval of the property list allows the board to move forward with negotiations. Overall, LAMP has acquired 11 total properties.
According to LAMP, St. Johns County has 31 percent green space.
“We have a lot of county growth in the north part of the county, but you know, throughout the county, we are reviewing applications as they come in, but it is important to seek out those ecological corridors,” Mauch said.