BY DAN HILDEBRAN
The Keystone Heights Planning and Zoning Board approved changes to a 14-acre proposed development in the Paradise Lake area, including changing the name of the planned urban development from Country Meadows to Sunrise Estates.
In 2022, developer Jed Duckro proposed a 55-lot housing development on the parcel bordering Paradise Point Drive and Sunrise Boulevard.
The city council ultimately approved Duckro’s plans after he reduced the number of lots by three to make room for a recreational area.
Duckro sold the 14-acre parcel to Clay County contractor Joe Wiggins the following year.
The Green Cove Springs attorney also owns 48+ acres north of Commercial Circle and Fox Run. He previously told the council he wanted to develop the acreage behind American Legion Post 202 on State Road 21 into a mixed-use property.
During a June 16 Planning and Zoning meeting, Wiggins asked the board to convert eight single-family lots into 16 multi-family lots, on which he planned to build townhouses.
“Lots 1-8 and the commercial property to the north are separated only by a Clay Electric easement,” Wiggins wrote in his application. “A ‘MF’ zoning designation can act as a buffer between single-family residential and commercial areas.”
The contractor added that multi-family provides more diverse housing options for the community.
“Typical owners include single individuals, starter families, and retired residents who want less responsibility with a smaller home and lot,” he said of the multi-family option.
A staff report by Fleet and Associates, Architects and Planners, recommended approving the change.
The recommendation included conditions that Wiggins adhere to a tree mitigation plan approved by the city council on June 9, and that all utilities be underground.
