County approves purchase of 20‑acre Lake Forest Creek parcel to expand Eastside greenway

The Alachua County Commission on May 26 approved staff’s recommendation to acquire a roughly 20‑acre parcel known as the Freedman property (Lake Forest Creek) to expand the county’s Eastside greenway and connect to existing public land holdings.

Land Conservation Program Manager Andy Christman (S34) told the board the fee‑simple acquisition is adjacent to a county‑owned parcel and would help link Morningside and Payne’s Prairie preserves. The property contains upland hardwood forest, former Sandhill habitat with gopher tortoises and remnant ground cover; the site currently has limited recreational access and would initially be managed for tours with potential future access improvements.

Purchase terms in the staff presentation listed a $199,364 purchase price, estimated due‑diligence costs of $35,754 and a standard 10% contingency for a total requested expenditure of $258,685. The contract included a 90‑day due‑diligence period with a planned closing in August.

Why it matters: The acquisition strengthens habitat connectivity and protects locally significant natural resources. County staff noted two title exceptions (a City of Gainesville utility easement and lack of public road frontage) that would be addressed through due diligence.

What’s next: The commission approved the purchase unanimously; staff will complete due diligence and return with closing details and a management plan for the parcel.