DRC approves revised Newberry Park Block 2 plan, sets rules for gas station opening

The Alachua County Development Review Committee on May 16 approved with conditions a revised final development plan for Block 2 of the Newberry Park traditional neighborhood development, which proposes about 22,500 square feet of commercial uses on a 1.3‑acre block at 12186 Northwest 7th Place.

County staff explained the block includes a two‑story, vertically mixed‑use building with a drive‑through coffee shop, a convenience store with an attached fueling canopy and other retail and restaurant spaces. Staff said TND‑specific standards apply: fueling pumps and drive‑through lanes must be sited to the rear or side of buildings and be architecturally integrated and screened from surrounding public streets. Staff recommended approval with conditions and outlined permitting steps to ensure building shells are completed prior to occupancy of certain tenant spaces.

Staff emphasized a sequencing requirement: the gas station canopy and fueling stations "cannot receive a final inspection or certificate of completion, unless all of the buildings on the block have also been completed by way of certificate of completion for shells only or certificate of occupancy," meaning the block's buildings must reach shell completion before the fueling station may open.

Applicant representative Clay Swager of EDA Consultants said the applicant agrees with staff conditions. A committee member moved to approve the revised plan with conditions; the motion was seconded and passed on a voice vote.