Did you know that the largest residential development in Alachua is set for approval by the city commission on Monday night? The environmentally sensitive Mill Creek Sink, which feeds into the springs within 14 days, is right next to this proposed development. The builder, a national builder, has a reputation for poor-quality homes. Approving 523 homes next to this fragile ecosystem poses significant risks along with being visually ugly as we will have a view from 441 of a sea of rooftops much like you see in Orlando and other large communities. They say people want this, people need this, this is the only way for “affordable” housing. At a final price point of over 350K to 450K these are not affordable. Secondly with these homes being built with poor quality materials and mass production, the homeowners are potentially sitting on financial time bombs with future repairs and replacements of AC’s, Roofs, Windows, Sliding doors, Siding, etc. I know, cause I am living this. Also we will be adding more traffic. More drain on our resources.

Imagine if we could use this property differently. Instead of another cookie-cutter housing development, we could conserve the natural resources and beauty that make Alachua special.

We have that opportunity. This property, located next to Lowe’s, could be purchased by Wild Spaces Public Places and turned into a conservation area. This would preserve Alachua’s rural charm and potentially create a nature preserve in the heart of our town, offering a place to connect with nature while protecting our springs and water.

We are at a turning point in our community. Now is the time to say no to overdevelopment and yes to protecting what needs to be protected. If we don’t, once these lands are developed they are gone forever. Let’s create a beautiful, sustainable community. Not another overdeveloped cookie cutter community.

• Please sign this petition to be presented to the City of Alachua Commission.Key points –
• National builders build homes with 10 yr roofs vs 20 yr forcing major insurance issues in the future along with added cost to mortgage payments and replacement cost.
• National builders use low quality AC units which need to be replaced typically in 10yrs or less
• National builders typically install low quality windows that could leak and are inefficient
• Areas where national builders develop experience lower or slowed home values.
• Mill Creek Sink is listed as an environmentally high risk area which is why Wild Spaces Public spaces want to purchase it.
• Prevent Alachua from becoming like other communities with massive zero lot line homes less than 8ft apart.
• Retention ponds will discharge into Mill creek.
• What goes into Mill Creek Sink is in the springs 14 days later.
• Keep Alachua’s rural feel.