As residents along the perimeter and within the NE section of Ocala, we need to stand against the development of 3922 NE Jacksonville Rd, by not allowing a zoning change.  The property does not need to hold more houses, developments or commercial developments in the future. 

Originally, 3922 NE Jacksonville Rd was a horse farm, a testament to the rich history and heritage of our region. There is not much, if any open pasture left in the NE area.  If we don't fight to protect the land we have left - it is not going to be there.  We mentioned to the zoning board that it was starting to look like a large city (Orlando was stated) - they said "yes, it will"  - THEY DONT CARE!  It is up to the people of Marion County to say NO.  

Currently we have D.R. Horton starting Emerson Point off NE 28th, Lenar is not finished with their build next to Publix off 35th, Apartment buildings are going up off 35th behind the Dollar General where all the land was just cleared etc....these are all within a mile or 2 of each other! 

The proposed houses for Jax Rd are on zero lot lines, there will not be enough space between current home owners and the new builds.  They are not specifying what type of "buffer" they will use around the perimeter either, the houses that currently reside at the top NE corner of the land will get a type of fence as a "buffer".  The proposed 310 houses will be one and two story.  Which means for those who live along the perimeter of the land currently, you may have some 2-story houses looking down on your property!

You will also face added traffic, 2 cars per household with 310 houses = 620 more cars on the county roads that are in bad shape now.  42nd, 35th and Old Jacksonville Rd are all 2 lane roads.  There is one Publix and one Harvey's and the schools and first responders need to add more portables and start hiring more responders!  The infrastructure is just not there.  Go drive these roads around the area - they are in pitiful shape.  We are taxpayers, our money is not being utilized how it should be.

We voiced the idea of placing a hold on building, not re-zoning any more land and leaving it agricultural - but no one even responded.  It was an excellent idea proposed if they want to preserve what is left of the county. This property was zoned PUD in 2005 originally, it was ALLOWED TO LAPSE TWICE SINCE THAT DATE.  The engineer even slipped and said the landowner is only trying to capitalize on the current market.   

• The next meeting will be DURING THE DAY on February 17th at 1:30pm.  Do not be late.  We lost in a 4-3 vote last night (January 27th) which we do believe we would have won had the public shown up.  There was maybe 10 of us last night!  Ya'll have got to SHOW UP in person!!  We can stop this from happening.  We NEED your help doing all 3 of these things - #1.  Sign this petition and SHARE it  #2.  Email Carl Zalak @ Carl.Zalak@marionfl.org  #3. Attend the Feb 17th meeting IN PERSON and say outloud "I oppose" (you do not have to give a speech, walk to the michrophone and just say "I oppose")

It's time we voice our concern as the people of Marion County. Let's stand for the preservation of rural heritage, the conservation of natural beauty, and for sustainable, mindful development that takes into account the delicate balance between our needs and those of nature around us. There are foxes, coyotes, hawks, an eagle that has been visiting, gopher tortoise, swallow-tailed kites that return every year and nest in the trees and so many much more wildlife that is being pushed from the over development!   

We should add one more thing, the health of our aquifers and the health of the water sources we currently use.  It's a thought that needs to be considered.  

Help us prevent the zoning change at 3922 NE Jacksonville Rd, Ocala FL to protect our environment and the character of our community. Now is our opportunity to send a strong message. Sign this petition and stand with us.