Ocala Jockey Club of Reddick Requests Denial of Double Gate ATV Park

Ocala Jockey Club of Reddick Requests Denial of Double Gate ATV Park

by | May 29, 2020 | Double Gate ATV Race Track, News

Thank you, Ocala Jockey Club, for pointing out how Double Gate ATV Park does not fit within the appropriate uses for property in the Farmland Preservation Area.

 

 

Ocala Jockey Club
8720 W. Highway 318
Reddick, FL 32686
www.OcalaJC.com

May 28, 2020

To Whom It May Concern:

The Ocala Jockey Club strongly opposes the proposed plans by Double Gate ATV Racetrack and Recreation to create an ATV track, trails, RV park and other amenities as part of their Special Use Permit application. We support Horse Farms Forever in their mission to protect the designated Farmland Preservation Area. The subject property, and our farm are located within the Farmland Preservation Area. We are a 954-acre horse farm and residential community located 0.75 miles from the subject property.

We believe that preserving the integrity of horse farmland is an important value for Ocala’s standing in the world as the “Horse Capital of the World”. Even in the face of the allure of short-term economic gain for one property, this is a poor tradeoff to allow at the expense of its neighbors and the overall character of the Farmland Preservation Area. Once the character of the land is lost, it is next to impossible to get it back. This dynamics has played out in other locations in the world, and it is up to the wisdom of those in charge of land use approvals to protect Marion County’s special character for generations to come.

When my husband and I searched for respite from the bustle of New York City over fourteen years ago, we first visited the Wellington area. We were impressed with the quality of equine facilities there but it felt cramped, luxurious but missing farmland character. After making the drive from there to Marion County, there was no comparison between Ocala’s equine paradise where horses could still roam free in vast quiet pastures among beautiful old growth oak trees. The county boasts an equine paradise, and it deserves to be preserved.

The Ocala Jockey Club created the Ocala Jockey Club International 3-Day Event starting in 2016 and it has quickly grown into an event beloved by top eventing riders, earning the honors to host the 2020 and 2021 CCl4*-L National Championships and to function as the only Olympic Games qualifying 3-Day eventing competition in the Southeast. It has provided up to $1 million annually in economic impact to Marion County, and sure to grow beyond that number in future years. My husband and I were very cognizant from the start to honor the existing land and its contours, even choosing a grass competition arena rather than all-weather footing typically used in horse show venues. This Event was to showcase the unique features of our farm and our County, and to help visitors appreciate the unique beauty and features of Marion County. We feel strongly about maintaining the horse farm character during our ownership and into the future, respecting the unique and special feel of the County. Our farm does not allow motorcycles on our farm due to noise and potential of horses spooking. The proposed ATV track would be just 0.75 miles from our farm. The resulting noise and traffic due to visitors would be detrimental to horse farm activities and interfere with the quiet intention of the Farmland Preservation Area and its horses, human residents and abundant wildlife.

We respectfully request the request for the Special Use Permit and Comprehensive Plan amendment be denied.

Thank you,

Pavla Nygaard
President and Owner, Ocala Jockey Club

Show Up for Farmland

Neighbors to the proposed project are coming out in strong opposition. Rest assured that we are working hard to ensure that the County sees every letter we receive. We will be sharing them with you in this space every day for the next couple of weeks. If you want to make a difference, please show up either online or in person at the Zoning Hearing, June 1, 5:30pm, and the Commissioners Hearing, June 17, 2:00pm, and email your comments to Growth Services and the County Commissioners!

Hearing Attendance Instructions

Always Watching

We work hard to keep you informed, and to represent our members’ interests in preserving our horse farms, farmland and the unique character and culture of Marion County.

Join the herd. Every voice matters.

Join or Donate Now
Flemington: Are You Ready For This?

Flemington: Are You Ready For This?

by | May 28, 2020 | Double Gate ATV Race Track, News

Double Gate ATV Race Track & Recreation is proposing to bring an ATV track, trails, paintball, repair shop and RV park to the quiet town of Flemington.

Here’s what you need to know:

Blitch Plantation, LTD and International Property Services, the owners of about 240 acres located at the intersection of Hwy 329 and Hwy 318 in the quiet town of Flemington, FL, are proposing an ATV racetrack, ATV trails, motorcycle/ATV sales and repair facility, 40 RV parking spaces, offices, and the ability to hold other events such as weddings and paintball games. The establishment will be called Double Gate ATV Park. It is located within Marion County’s Farmland Preservation Area. A Land Use Change Amendment (2020-L05) and Special Use Permit Application are before the County and will be heard by the Commissioners June 17th at 2pm.

Impacts

Here’s a video from Hogwaller – a facility of very similar description in Palatka

  • Noise: racing ATV’s are LOUD. Everyone in a 5-mile radius will hear them under some conditions. Trails will border residential properties. The proposed buffer is insufficient.
  • Environment: this property is in a flood zone and a spring protection area. There will be mud, erosion and pollution of the waterways. Wildlife will be adversely impacted. The application addresses NONE of the environmental impacts. The proposed race track location is in the flood zone.

the pink is flood zone.

  • Traffic: expect to see more vehicles and larger vehicles pulling trailers.
  • Crowds: large events may bring alcohol use, littering and increased arrests.
  • Safety: fire and ambulance service needs will increase.
  • Quality of Life: this area is low-density residential and farms. There are many houses of worship. This has potential to
    completely change the peaceful and rural character of the area.

Red Flag Means STOP

If you believe that this project is inconsistent with a location in the Farmland Preservation Area, tell your elected officials NOW. The Zoning and Planning Commission meets June 1. The County Commissioners meet June 17th. Several ATV race tracks have been proposed in Marion County and were DENIED because of community opposition. You have a voice and a choice.

Community Support is Key

Kimberleigh Dinkins of Marion County Growth Services reports that several similar ATV Racing projects were proposed in the county in the last two decades.
All were denied because the community showed up
and spoke out against them.
Now is the time.

Email Growth Services
Attend Meetings and Comment
Busy Byerly: Golden Ocala and World Equestrian Center Deserve Our Thanks

Busy Byerly: Golden Ocala and World Equestrian Center Deserve Our Thanks

by | May 27, 2020 | GO-WEC Plan Amendment, News, Plan

By Busy Shires Byerly / Special to the Star-Banner

Posted May 22, 2020 at 12:01 AM
 

Over the past several months, Horse Farms Forever shared our concerns about the proposed changes to 275 acres in the Farmland Preservation Area with representatives of Golden Ocala-World Equestrian Center. These proposed changes could have set in motion a ripple effect to wear away the boundary of the Farmland Preservation Area.

With the tremendous outpouring of support from horse farm owners and the community, our concerns and shared voices have been heard. Golden Ocala-World Equestrian Center has agreed to withdraw their request to move the boundary of the Farmland Preservation Area on 118 acres in Area 1.

In addition, Golden Ocala-World Equestrian Center has agreed to limit the commercial uses allowed on 157 acres in Area 8 to equestrian specific uses and to reduce the amount of land available for commercial use to a 35% floor area ratio, or up to 55 acres. The list of equestrian uses is more restrictive than what is already allowed in Marion County’s comprehensive plan.

With these two changes to help respect the Farmland Preservation Area, Horse Farms Forever offers our full support for Golden Ocala-World Equestrian Center’s land use amendments to develop the World Equestrian Center into a world-class destination.

The additional changes to their 4,200-acre Development of Regional Impact are within Marion County’s Urban Growth Boundary and do not directly impact the Farmland Preservation Area.

The World Equestrian Center will bring enormous vitality to our horse industry and economy. In the decades to come, the vision to build the World Equestrian Center will dramatically impact this community in many positive ways. It will be a significant driver of the economy and will cement our region’s global brand as the Horse Capital of the World. This growth, if managed well, will enhance our quality of life.

Our future, and the future of the World Equestrian Center, depends on preserving the land for horses. Without the land, there are no horses.

Now that the threats to the Farmland Preservation Area have been removed, let’s join our voices to thank the leadership of Golden Ocala-World Equestrian Center for creating the right kind of ripples in our community, building a thriving and robust horse industry in Marion County.

The community came together to join Horse Farms Forever protecting the integrity of the Farmland Preservation Area. Now, now let’s stand together again with Golden Ocala-World Equestrian Center at the May 28 Marion County Commission meeting and advocate for the approval of their amendment to the comprehensive plan. We thank them for listening to our concerns and agreeing to join us in safeguarding the Farmland Preservation Area.

Busy Byerly

Busy Shires Byerly is director of conservation strategies for Horse Farms Forever.

Ears Up! We’re Watching a New Development Threat

Ears Up! We’re Watching a New Development Threat

by | May 22, 2020 | Double Gate ATV Race Track, News

May 22, 2020

Yesterday, we were alerted to an application with Growth Services to amend the comprehensive plan to expand a Rural Activity Center (RAC) at the intersection of N Highway 329 and W Highway 318, Reddick. The developers are asking for a Special Use Permit for activities that would corrupt the integrity of the neighborhood. The property is in the heart of the Farmland Preservation Area.

This property is owned by the Rudnianyn family, the same proponents of the West Ocala Beltway. The business will be called Double Gate ATV Race Track. The proposed uses are RV parking, event facilities, ATV racetrack, ATV sales and service facilities, paintball events, and other activities not intended for a Rural Activity Center.

 

What Could This Mean for the Neighborhood?

  • Here is a development of similar description in Palatka: Hogwaller.
  • Two years ago, this happened in a rural Alachua neighborhood.

The Planning hearing is June 1st and the Commission hearing is June 17th. 

We are in full alert status on this project and will be meeting with the applicants, their planner and the county staff.  Stay tuned as we gather more information. 

  • Here is our full Policy Statement, which further explains the details of the project, and why we are concerned.
  • Here is our letter to Marion County Growth Services.
  • Here is our letter to Tillman Engineering, the firm of record on the project, explaining our concerns and requesting a meeting.
Read Full Application
Contact Blitch Plantation Owners

Always Watching

We work hard to keep you informed, and to represent our members’ interests in preserving our horse farms, farmland and the unique character and culture of Marion County.

Join the herd. Every voice matters.

Join or Donate Now
Thank You, GO-WEC!

Thank You, GO-WEC!

by | May 20, 2020 | GO-WEC Plan Amendment, News

May 20, 2020

Horses, horse farms and the horse industry create the character and culture that define Ocala/Marion County. The vision and mission of Horse Farms Forever is to ensure this ‘sense of place’ is protected for future generations, especially the Farmland Preservation Area located in northwest Marion County.

One of the most exciting developments in the equine history of the county is the upcoming opening of the World Equestrian Center. This massive private project focused on sport horses will truly solidify Ocala/Marion County as the Horse Capital of the WorldÒ.

Recently, we expressed our concern about two proposed changes to the Farmland Preservation Area that were included in the amendment to the County’s comprehensive plan requested by the Golden Ocala-World Equestrian Center organization. The first request was to move the boundary of the Farmland Preservation Area on several parcels on County Road 225 A. The second request was to apply a newly created land use designation called WEC to rural property inside the Farmland Preservation Area on the west side of NW 100th Avenue.

Horse Farms Forever was able to reach an agreement with the leadership of the GO-WEC organization regarding our concerns and as a result of this agreement, we will be enthusiastically advocating for approval of the revised amendment. This agreement will preserve the Farmland Preservation Area boundary and permit only equestrian-related uses on the property located within it.

As often happens when there are different opinions, a collaborative focus can bring alignment to positions. In this case, both parties sought to better understand each other’s position. In the end we felt like our goals were accomplished and we stayed true to our mission, as well as continued our support for the World Equestrian Center.

We thank the Golden Ocala-World Equestrian Center leadership for listening to our concerns and agreeing to respect the integrity of the Farmland Preservation Area. We express our appreciation to the Roberts family for their incredible investment in the community, especially the Golden Ocala Golf and Equestrian Club and the World Equestrian Center.

We also thank them for continuing as Founding Members of Horse Farms Forever.

The Board of Directors