GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. – Green Cove Springs in Clay County is projected to be one of the fastest-growing communities in the region in the coming years, and two massive and unique developments are expected to bring thousands of homes to help keep up with that growth.
The new developments are being called “Agrihoods,” which are communities that mix a large subdivision lifestyle with agriculture and are self-sustaining with schools, shopping, and a healthy dose of natural resources. These developments could also have community gardening, native plants, and fewer lawns.
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With Clay County’s massive First Coast Expressway project almost complete and the addition of thousands of homes, life around Green Cove Springs is expected to drastically change.
“It’s gonna build up Green Cove again,” Brenda Chitwood, Green Cove Springs resident, said. “They’re going to get more stores in down here, so people don’t have to go all the way to Orange Park to get shopping done.”
Meanwhile, many longtime locals are not necessarily thrilled about the growth, especially those who are used to the rural, more private lifestyle.
However, the two new “Agrihoods” might help find a middle ground.
Instead of the typical community pool and a playground, these developments will also have things like acres of farmland and miles of scenic trails.
The first “Agrihood” community is a development by the Agricola family. This development is just off US 17, south of Green Cove on the way to Palatka near Haller Airfield.
The Agricola development will offer 2,170 single-family detached homes, 1,830 multifamily homes and 100 hotel rooms. Plus, it will have 1 million square feet for innovation, light industrial and flex space, 640,000 square feet of educational campus and 340,000 square feet of retail, according to the project materials.
“What sets Agricola apart from traditional housing developments is its focus on preserving the environment and fostering a sense of community,” the developer’s website states.
The project description states the Agricola development will provide 50% of the property to be set aside for open space, offering an alternative to “fast-paced, sprawling growth.” That open space may include active and passive recreation, community gardens, plazas, squares, walking trails, and more.
The other “Agrihood” community, called Saratoga Springs, will be located west of Green Cove Springs, behind Spring Park Elementary School. It is expected to bring as many as 4,489 homes to the area.
Also designated as an “Agrihood,” this development will feature acres of farmland, miles of scenic trails and amenities designed to foster a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.
“Saratoga Springs promises to be a place like no other, where modern living meets the beauty of rural Florida,” the developer’s website states.
Freehold, a property development company, bought 2,445 acres for the development on Jan. 10 for $70 million, according to the Jacksonville Daily Record.
According to News4JAX news partner Jacksonville Daily Record, Freehold sought to develop a 3,300-home “Agrihood” community along County Road 214 in St. Johns County, but the plans were denied in November by the county commission.