At the Tuesday, March 26th Board of County Commissioners meeting, Gregg spoke out against a proposed annexation by the Town of Haverhill.

He did so because on Thursday, March 28th the Town of Haverhill is taking the first step in considering a voluntary annexation request to annex into the town five (5) parcels totaling 12.5 acres. These parcels are north of Wallis Road, and roughly one-third of a mile west of Haverhill Road. While Gregg generally has no issue with voluntary annexations, he does have a problem with what is proposed here. The piece of land that the town wants to annex is separated from the town by a canal. Annexing would create a portion that would not become a unified whole with the rest of the town and its residents. There is no direct connection to the town. The only pedestrian or vehicular access would be through unincorporated roads. This proposed annexation would create a pocket or finger area, which is inconsistent with Chapter 171 of the Florida Statutes.

Also of concern: the reason for this annexation. Meritage Homes seeks to develop the land and build 100 townhomes. By becoming part of the town and upzoning the property, Meritage is circumventing the county’s workforce housing requirement. “I think this is a bad idea, and I would like to direct staff to oppose this annexation,” Gregg said.

County planning staff will reach out to the town to express the county’s opposition. We will keep you posted on what happens next.