Newberry: City of Newberry Commission Meeting 3/9/2026
Summary. The City of Newberry Commission held their regular meeting on March 9, 2026, focusing primarily on parks and recreation development projects. The commission unanimously approved two major motions directing staff to move forward with Champions Park South development, specifically a four-court gymnasium facility, and MLK Junior Park improvements including basketball court relocation and road closure. During public comments, residents Donna and Greg Graden expressed concerns about a commercial kennel special exception application and related zoning ordinance changes. The meeting concluded with commissioner comments including election announcements from Commissioners Clark and Coleman, and upcoming community events were announced by the city manager.
Agenda Items
1. Rezoning Matter (conclusion)
Final vote on a rezoning matter that was being deliberated
- Motion made by Commissioner Farnsworth
- Seconded by Commissioner Clark
- No further deliberations
2. Champions Park South Development
Direction to staff to move forward with Champions Park South gymnasium development
- Four-court facility proposal
- Sports tourism revenue potential
- $3 million incentive commitment
- Future expansion capabilities
- Volleyball and basketball programming
3. MLK Junior Park Improvements
Direction to staff to proceed with basketball court relocation and road closure
- Basketball court relocation to the east
- Road segment closure
- Parking expansion
- Community workshop feedback
- Covered court future consideration
- Phased implementation approach
4. Public Comments
Citizens addressed zoning concerns regarding commercial kennel application
- Commercial kennel zoning regulations
- Special exception petition 25-02
- Rural agricultural space concerns
- Ordinance rewrite concerns
- Neighbor relations issues
Motions & Votes
Motion to approve rezoning matter
Moved by Commissioner Farnsworth, seconded by Commissioner Clark
Passed unanimous
Motion to direct staff to move forward with developing Champions Park South
Moved by Commissioner Long, seconded by Commissioner Clark
Passed unanimous
Motion to direct staff to move forward with MLK Park basketball court relocation and road closure
Moved by Commissioner Long, seconded by Commissioner Clark
Passed unanimous 4-0
Action Items
Develop Champions Park South gymnasium facility with four courts
Assigned to Parks and Recreation Department (Rod Clark)
Proceed with MLK Park basketball court relocation and road closure
Assigned to Parks and Recreation Department and staff
Apply for FIRDAP grant funding for MLK Park covered courts
Assigned to City staff
Schedule calendar events for commissioners
Assigned to Angie Walker (new staff member) · Due Ongoing
Frequently Asked Questions
What was decided at this meeting?
The City of Newberry Commission held their regular meeting on March 9, 2026, focusing primarily on parks and recreation development projects. The commission unanimously approved two major motions directing staff to move forward with Champions Park South development, specifically a four-court gymnasium facility, and MLK Junior Park improvements including basketball court relocation and road closure. During public comments, residents Donna and Greg Graden expressed concerns about a commercial kennel special exception application and related zoning ordinance changes. The meeting concluded with commissioner comments including election announcements from Commissioners Clark and Coleman, and upcoming community events were announced by the city manager.
What was on the agenda?
This meeting covered 4 agenda items: Rezoning Matter (conclusion); Champions Park South Development; MLK Junior Park Improvements; Public Comments.
How many motions were voted on?
3 motions were voted on during this meeting. See the Motions & Votes section above for each motion and its result.
What action items came out of this meeting?
4 action items were identified. See the Action Items section above for details and who they were assigned to.
Who attended this meeting?
9 members were recorded as present: Mayor, Commissioner Clark, Commissioner Coleman, Commissioner Farnsworth, Commissioner Long, City Manager, City Clerk, Rod Clark (Parks and Recreation Director), City Attorney.
Where can I watch the full recording?
The full video recording is available on YouTube or embedded at the top of this page.
What county is Newberry in?
Newberry is located in Alachua County, Florida. Browse other Alachua County meeting summaries to see what local governments across the county are working on.
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