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!
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.
June 1, 2020
Proposed re-zoning of “Farm Land Preservation Area” in NW Marion County.
Dear Board Members
As nearly thirty (30) year residents and owners of Geiser Equine/ Harnessed Winds Farm we strongly oppose the purposed zoning change for the area at CR 318 and Hwy 329 in northwest Marion County.
The purposed “Double Gate ATV Tack & Recreational Facility” does not meet the requirements of Agricultural/ Rural Zoning, thus the request for a zoning change, and it most certainly does not meet the intent, and adopted purpose of “Farm Land Preservation Areas”.
The purposed commercial operation in no way fits the quite rural setting of the area. It will only serve to disrupt the peaceful daily lives of the residents in the surrounding areas. The two (2) roads bordering the proposed area are rural roads utilized by local traffic and provide quite scenic views for the many bicycle groups that weekly travel this area. There is no way that they would be able to accommodate the increased traffic load such a facility would bring without further expense to the county, for law enforcement and maintenance.
This area is also part of a flood zone. The environmental impact of gas, oil and human pollutants of a large gathering operation such of this cannot be overstated.
Finally, there is nothing in this purposed operation that in anyway benefits the county and its residents, opening this door to allow this facility will only encourage further development of this area, thus destroying the whole concept of “Farm Land Preservation” for the enjoyment of future residents.
Thank You
Harnessed Winds Farm
Terry and Darlene Geiser
352-591-5322
I live here in Flemington and as a business owner I strongly oppose the rezoning