GREEN COVE SPRINGS- The Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved an extension Tuesday night of the Lake Asbury Master Plan moratorium to allow infrastructure projects time to catch up.

Currently, the number of homes built in the Master Plan is less than 14,000 units. The Comprehensive Plan allows a maximum of 24,492 units, but only 1,700 permits were approved this year. That puts thousands of future permits on hold until the county finds solutions for roads, fire rescue, schools and drainage.

Kristen Burke, who represents the Lake Asbury area, said, “A large amount of growth is happening in the county right now. We are faced with constant reminders every time we see the trees coming down and new homes going up. And this won’t stop (new homes that are already approved under the plan).”

Lake Asbury relies on Station 15 for fire and rescue services. That station has three fire trucks, rescue and a brush fire engine. However, given the number of homes, road conditions, traffic and the expansive layout of the area, firefighters are already challenged to meet demands. New growth means additional cars congesting Sandridge and Russell roads, where many of the new homes are being built. The county recently finished widening Sandridge from Henley to Lake Asbury Junior High, and now it’s in the second phase to widen Sandridge 2.8 miles to Russell Baptist Church. The third and final phase will go one mile from the Baptist church to Russell Road. The project costs $31.4 million and won’t be completed until spring 2025.

“We’re still waiting on the road (infrastructure improvements). The plans are coming, but the (roads improvements) haven’t been (completed) yet,” she said.
Commission Chair Betsy Condon agreed with Burke and said she is sympathetic with property owners’ rights in the county, among other values.
Mike Cella said real estate is important to the county’s economy. Maintaining a good relationship with builders is paramount, but growth must be controlled at a responsible rate to not overwhelm infrastructure, traffic, and other important factors.

“The bottom line is if we don’t pass the moratorium, people are going to come in and put their applications in and go through the process. By declaring a moratorium, we’re telling them not to spend your money because it won’t happen. Otherwise, they would flow through the system. It’s better to tell everyone at the front door rather than invite them in and have them sit down before you say no. The board can repeal this decision (later) if we need to,” he said.