St. Johns County Board Rejects 3,300-Home ‘Agrihood’ Project

By Thomas Smith
Freehold Communities announced plans to turn St. Johns County farmland into 3,300 homes like the group's Arden master-planned development in South Florida pictured here. They've dubbed these communities 'agrihoods' for incorporating agricultural elements into a residential setting. (Freehold Communities)

The St. Johns County Board of Commissioners unanimously rejected a plan Tuesday to build a 3,300-home “Agrihood” west of St. Augustine.

Board members said the project, called Verde, would create major problems with traffic, school overcrowding, and unanswered questions about its scope.

“I just don’t think this proposal is ready for prime time,” said Chair Sarah Arnold after hearing from both developers and residents against the project. “It’s not that there won’t be a day when it’s appropriate, but I do not think that time is now.”

Last month, the county’s Planning and Zoning agency also opposed the project, voting 7-0 to recommend rejecting it.

A red barn at the Freehold Communities ‘Agrihood’ Arden development in Palm Beach County, Florida. A similar project was proposed for St. Johns County. (Freehold Communities)

Community Pushback

Many local residents spoke out against the development, saying it would put too much pressure on roads and infrastructure. The board also received hundreds of emails—most against the plan.

Developers Freehold Communities argued that their “Agrihood” concept has been successful in other areas, with features like on-site farmers markets and event barns promoting a “Farm to Table Lifestyle.”

They also said the plan fit within the county’s Comprehensive Plan, which considers future population growth.

But the board disagreed, noting the project would add 23,000 daily car trips to roads already dealing with heavy traffic.

Freehold Communities hoped to turn a tract of St. Johns County farmland into 3,300 homes like the group’s Arden master-planned development in South Florida pictured here. (Freehold Communities)

About the Project

The 2,673-acre site is located between County Roads 208 and 214, south of the St. Augustine Outlets and west of Interstate 95.

In addition to the homes, the plan included 250,000 square feet of retail and commercial space.

The land is currently owned by the Robinson Improvement Company, a business founded over a century ago by early St. Johns landowner John Robinson.

For now, the “Agrihood” project will not move forward in St. Johns County.

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