St. Johns County commissioners approved a Grand Oaks development agreement requiring Pulte Home Company to contribute $20 million toward transportation improvements, opening a path to resume the stalled neighborhood's development, the St. Johns Citizen reported Oct. 21.

The Citizen reported that commissioners unanimously approved changes to the development on Oct. 20 and then approved the companion agreement. The arrangement replaces a requirement to widen roughly three miles of State Road 16 with the transportation contribution.

The revised plan allows 512 additional homes beyond 442 already platted lots and reduces the community's maximum size from 999 to 954 homes.

Road funding remains an issue

The county's Oct. 6 meeting record identifies Pulte's proposed $20 million contribution as transportation mitigation for the remaining 512 units. Approval of that obligation does not establish that the county has already received the money.

During the first hearing, Commissioner Krista Joseph pressed for a larger contribution. County transportation official Dick D'Souza estimated that roadway changes to accommodate the development could cost $80 million to $90 million, Action News Jax reported.

Residents sought a resolution

Homeowners told commissioners the stalled development had left the neighborhood unfinished and made homes difficult to sell, according to the Citizen.

Pulte representatives said separate agreements would address unpaid community development district obligations. The report did not establish a date for construction to resume.