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The purpose of this blog is to afford the community an opportunity to voice your thoughts and ideas relative to the current plan to develop the West End golf course. If the current county comprehensive land use plan and zoning designations of West End are changed to Residential, developers plan to construct 487 to 750 new homes, a hotel, and commercial businesses on this critical greenspace. WECARE would like to hear from you! When posting your comments, please be respectful and courteous of others and their respective opinions.

Paul Hornby 5/18/22 Paul Hornby 5/18/22

Keeping West End Green Just Got A Lot Harder

Before Alachua County Commissioner Mary Alford resigned, we needed 3 out of 5 commissioners to vote NO to change the Recreational zoning to Residential on the West End Golf Course property. Now, we need 3 out of 4. It is extremely important that you attend the Tuesday, May 24, 2022 public hearing at 5:00 pm at 12 SE 1st Street, 2nd Floor. This is an IN-PERSON meeting only.

SHOW UP – Bring your family, friends, neighbors. Wear your white Friends of West End (FOWE) or green West End Community Alliance for Recreation and Education (WECARE) t-shirts. All citizens of Alachua County are welcome to attend this very important meeting. SPEAK UP for Recreation.

If you are able, go early, have a drink and a snack or early dinner at any of the many fine restaurants in the area and walk to the meeting. Members of WECARE and FOWE will be at the door to greet you. See you Tuesday, May 24th at 5:00 pm.

Paul Hornby 5/3/22 Paul Hornby 5/3/22

Take the Parks & Recreation Survey

Alachua County Parks and Recreation Department develops management plans for the Parks and Recreation Master Planning Process. Alachua County Parks and Open Spaces Manager Jason Maurer: “The citizens of Alachua County will have a direct impact on the future growth and development of our parks.”

The Parks and Recreation Department invites all residents to provide feedback and input through an open-link survey. Community feedback will be used to help guide decisions.

Participate in the online survey.

For more information, call the Alachua County Parks and Recreation Department at 352-213-4796.

Paul Hornby 4/21/22 Paul Hornby 4/21/22

Planning Board Votes On the Use Designation of West End Golf Course

A great big thank you to all who attended the Planning Board hearing last night. Our attorney, planner, and all of the speakers, on behalf of keeping the property Recreational, did a great job in presenting our case. YOU made a difference.

The meeting was long and tedious but the outcome was worth the wait. The Planning Board voted to make NO CHANGE to the Recreation designation of the West End Golf Club property in the Alachua County Comprehensive Plan 2019-2040.

BUT, we must now present our case to the Alachua County Commissioners. This meeting date and time is yet to be determined. Your continued support is critical to insure the property remains Recreational for all existing and future communities in the west end. Stay the Course!

Paul Hornby 4/15/22 Paul Hornby 4/15/22

An Update From WECARE PRESIDENT Paul Hornby

Greetings everyone, we received some favorable news yesterday when the county's staff report was released in advance of the planning commission meeting next week. Here is the link to the report.

In a nutshell, the staff report states: " Staff recommends that the Local Planning Agency recommend that the BoCC not transmit the proposed Comprehensive Plan land use and text changes with the bases as noted in the staff report."

As I said, this is favorable news, however, doesn't change anything for us relative to our planned actions moving forward. Keep in mind that the Planning Commission still needs to vote on this, and whatever their vote, it will still proceed to the BOCC for a final vote. This is not the time to be complacent, we need a huge turnout at the Wednesday meeting so please keep recruiting friends and neighbors to attend. Click here to view the meeting agenda.

In advance of the Wednesday meeting we will have a demonstration in front of WE from 4-6pm on Monday the 18th. Get the word out and please join even if not for the entire time. Thanks in advance and STAY THE COURSE!!!!!

Paul Hornby

Paul Hornby 4/10/22 Paul Hornby 4/10/22

WECARE At The Newberry Spring Fling

WECARE had an outreach booth at Saturday’s Newberry Main Street Spring Fling Festival. Volunteers engaged with the public, handed out brochures, stickers and delicious cookies while garnering 195 petition signatures. A good time was had by all who attended.

Paul Hornby 4/6/22 Paul Hornby 4/6/22

Notice of Public Hearing

J. Brown Professional Group, Inc. agent for West End Golf club, Inc. has requested an Amendment to the Alachua County Comprehensive Plan: 2019-2040 Future Land Use Map from Recreational land use designation to Low Density Residential.

The public hearing concerning the request will allow for in-person participation only.

Wednesday, April 20, 2022 at 6pm
12 SE 1st Street, Room 209
Gainesville, FL

Please plan to attend. Your participation is critical. The future of a mulit-use, multi-generational recreational green space for all to enjoy is up to YOU.

Paul Hornby 4/4/22 Paul Hornby 4/4/22

WECARE/Friends of West End at the Newberry Main St. Fair

WECARE/FOWE will have an information booth at the Newberry Main Street Spring Fling Festival Saturday, April 9th from 9-4pm in Newberry. Come and enjoy the day!