BY MARK J. CRAWFORD
Bradford County commissioners placed on hold an application for a new RV park/campground until more was known about the impact on existing and future development in the area.
Donald Harrington was seeking a special exception for the campground, which would be located on nearly 7 acres west of the bypass interchange on S.R. 16 and Northwest 177th Street. The two parcels are contiguous to his home, which sits behind the property in the Connerly Estates subdivision.
Harrington told commissioners he had a few goals in mind, which included providing temporary residences for people in search of something more permanent. As a landlord, he said he has several properties that are constantly rented. There are waiting lists for people seeking accommodations, he said, and few places for those relocating to Bradford County.
“We want to be able to provide a place for people who want to live a little bit simpler or just need four months or six months at a nice place to bring their RV or their tiny home while they’re getting settled in our community,” he said.
The campground could also serve those passing through the area who need someplace to stay overnight, including those seeking safety from hurricane weather.
“There are people that are retiring. Their funds, their means are limited, and they are downsizing. There are people that are younger, that are just getting started, and they have this sense of ownership, of having their own place in a nice place. So that’s what we want to provide,” he said.
“This is not in any way to bring down the community or the area. Like I said, my home, I feel like I have a beautiful home right there in Connerly. I would never do anything to impose on that or my neighbors.”
According to Harrington, no RV or home placed in the campground would be older than 10 years without approval.
Zoning official Randy Andrews said the property already has access to S.R. 16 and would not require ingress or egress from the subdivision. He also provided a site plan showing 54 RV sites surrounding a common area with a gazebo and playground. There are also fenced dog runs and an office with a laundry room. Water and septic will be provided on site. Andrews said Harrington is aware he would need to work with the water management district on stormwater retention because of his road and RV pads.
Commissioner Carolyn Spooner said she was concerned about the impact of an RV park on the residential area as well as the anticipated development across the highway. Hundreds of acres have been annexed into the city of Starke for a mixed-use development which will include new housing and commercial properties.
Andrews advertised the application and posted signs on the property. He said there had been no public objection expressed.
Commission Chairman Danny Riddick asked about the number of lots. Harrington said the foundations would not be built all at once but in phases of 10. That is the number each septic system can accommodate, he said. Andrews further pointed out that each campground site would be at least 1,200 square feet and no closer than 25 feet to the property line.
Commissioner Chris Dougherty was concerned about traffic, with large vehicles entering and exiting the property and the vehicles exiting the bypass nearby.
“I know right now we’re just trying to get that turn lane for the access road at the airport. That’s a really big issue, and I think that the volume of traffic on both of those roads is probably somewhere around the same. So, I would like to get a little more information on that before we move forward with this,” Dougherty said.
He said Harrington should know up front if a deceleration and turn lane would be required.
The application was tabled and will be brought back to the board with more information.
