GAINESVILLE - It's an issue that's been debated for several years, but never settled. Now, Alachua County leaders are considering yet another new option when it comes to overhauling the county fairgrounds.

 

At a special meeting Wednesday night, residents and county officials discussed exactly where the new fairgrounds should go. Among the options is a parcel of undeveloped land north of the airport, known as the Weseman Tract. The county purchased the tract back in 2006 at a cost of nearly $2 million. The other option is to develop near the Gainesville Raceway, utilizing much of the facility's existing infrastructure, and saving the county money.

 

But the lack of a definite plan caused some residents to wonder why the county purchased any land to begin with. Interim Alachua County manager Rick Drummond says there are plans to develop a business park on the Weseman Tract if the land is not used for the fairgrounds.

 

The issue will be discussed further by county commissioners when they meet on October 23.