Proposed music park on SR 47 disturbs neighbors’ peace

By John M. Ayers
The Gilchrist County Commission will hold a Public Hearing to consider Special Use Permit 2012-5 involving Gilchrist Fundraiser Recreation and Music Park on Monday, Aug. 20, at 5:30 p.m.

High Springs Lions Club, Inc. and Lanier Smith are agents for Lowell and Patricia Chesborough of High Springs who own the 115-acre residential subdivision.
This SUP application would allow music festivals and concerts to be held on the residential A-2 property. The application would allow the festivals to exceed 250 persons attending a single event at one time.
The agents have described a temporary office and security trailer to be relocated on the property when concerts will be held.
The next Farm to Family Festival is scheduled for September 28-30, 2012. Another music festival combined with a Haunted House is planned for the weekend preceding Halloween, October 25-27, 2012.
The Lions Club typically has Turkey Shoots in October and November and these events would be held on Saturday for a few hours as attendance at the park dictates.
Due to the park not having indoor facilities, daily activities such as sports and eco day camps are planned. Outdoor concert events will resume in March and would be scheduled as one, two and three day events.
Neighbors in the surrounding residential subdivisions are concerned from past events that large crowds and high traffic congestion and loud drums after midnight will disrupt the residential atmosphere the A-2 zoning preserves.