The Rivertown development along SR 13 in St. Johns County wants to build a 250-slip drydock marina on 8 acres of a passive riverfront park at the mouth of Hallowes Cove, a pristine area of the St. Johns River with abundant eel grass beds that provide critical habitat for fisheries and wildlife.
Due to the environmental significance of the cove and surrounding area, this type of development was prohibited when the original Master Plan was approved by the St. Johns County Commission. When the previous Rivertown owners proposed a marina, state and federal agencies overwhelmingly oppposed this land use due to the adverse impacts that it would have on the St. Johns River.
As a result, the development plan stated: "Boat launch facilities for non-motorized water craft will be available….There will be no boat fueling in connection with the Riverfront Park….Boat repair facilities or services, fuel sales and pump out facilities will be prohibited west of SR 13 within the RiverTown DRI."
We also believe the proposed land use is not consistent with St. Johns County Comprehensive Plan.
The current owners of Rivertown want to amend that plan. Join us at the community meeting on December to speak up and help protect Hallowes Cove. Click here for the community meeting notice.