The County Commissioners report receiving hundreds and hundreds of letters in opposition to the Double Gate ATV Park Land Use and Zoning changes, and Special Use Permit. Thank you for speaking out! As a supporter of the Farmland Preservation Area, you are in strong company.
Take a look at some of these letters: click on the > and < to scroll through.
And here is our letter to the Commissioners: click on the > and < to scroll through.
The Hearing is Tomorrow, June 17th, 2pm
You have shown great energy and commitment toward denial of this proposal. The Commissioners have received your input. Let’s finish this by turning out. There is no substitute for being there – either in person or through virtual attendance. You will be able to call in or email comments that will be heard by all during the meeting. The link below directs you. The virtual attendance link will appear next to the Agenda five minutes before the meeting starts.
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.
Well done. Many, many thanks for your efforts to preserve and protect our Farmland Preservation Area.
Michelle.Stone@marioncountyfl.org
Dear Marion County Commissioner Stone,
I respectfully request that you oppose and deny in their entirety:
1. Comprehensive Plan Amendment 20-L05 submitted by Blitch Plantation, LTD to amend the future land use designation from Rural Land to Rural Activity Center for 18.2 acres.
2. Application 200507Z to rezone 18.2 acres from Rural Land to Rural Activity Center; and
3. Application 200508SU to permit ATV racetrack with ancillary recreational uses, limited ATV sales and repair, RV Park, and event venue requested as a Special Use Permit in RAC and A-1 Zoning Districts.
My neighbor has destroyed my right to peacefully use my Farm, and two of my adjoining properties, because they allow recreational riding of ATV’s on their property, in violation of the noise ordinance. All of these properties are in the Farmland Preservation Area. I have lost the use of two barns and two rental houses, over the noise levels, and fumes that are the inevitable result of the ATV recreational riding. The noise from one particular ATV travels over 1,000 feet and is still so obtrusive that I cannot sit on the patios of my three separate properties. I have called code enforcement to see what my options are for regaining my Horse Business and the peaceful enjoyment of my properties ( 3 houses and 15 acres ) to no avail.
My husband and I have invested our retirement funds in Farmland Preservation Area Properties because we believe that Marion County really is the”Horse Capital of the World” and that the County Commissioners, in their infinite wisdom, had taken steps to keep it that way. Not only are we deprived the daily use of our properties, but like the CHI INSTITUTE, have been placed at risk of being injured physically, just to handle our own horses. Our Investment backed expectation of our properties increasing in value has also been destroyed.
Please do not destroy the fragile Farmland and Horse Farms and Agricultural Businesses that make Marion County the ‘Horse Capital of the World” JUST FOR FUN !
The proposed site is in the Farmland Preservation Area. The developer has made clear that it will be the site of Double Gate ATV Park. From noise levels to soils, water, wildlife and traffic – this location is inappropriate for the proposed use. I appreciate the foresight of Marion County to create the Farmland Preservation Area to protect the sense of place that we all enjoy for future generations, and we ask that you please vote to protect it now.
Sincerely,