Alachua city commissioners vote in favor of commercial land development

ALACHUA, Fla. (WCJB) - Alachua city commissioners held a public hearing Monday afternoon on a proposal to rezone farmland along U.S. Highway 441, and voted 3-2 in favor of the rezoning.

The plans for commercial development is moving forward despite resident pushback Celine Benedict, and Alachua resident, had concerns for the impact on water supply.

“I will maybe, very easily, not be able to use my well anymore. And, I will be hooked up to city water, which increases my bills for the rest of my life.” Benedict said. “It also increases bills for a fruit orchard I just purchased, a $350,000 property.”

A planner representing the applicant fort he rezoned land said the project is not a threat to public health and safety.

Officials said the development could include a Walmart in the future.

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