A planned 1,600-acre project called Durbin Park is expected to bring stores, offices and homes to the northern St. Johns County area.
The development is planned along Race Track Road, near Interstate 95 and the new State Road 9B expansion, which is still under construction.
One Third Asian House owner Jack Lin said he researched the growing area, and knew that’s where he wanted to put his business.
“We feel like if we come in early, we get our name out there, so we have an advantage,” said Lin.
Brittnee Williams, who works just next door at Bartram Academy, said she is excited to have new places to shop.
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“We have a lot of families that live back here in this neighborhood, and they’re asking for things to do during the weekend,” said Williams.
She also thinks it will be great for business, but believes that there could also be drawbacks to the development.
“I do think neighbors talk about it being too much too fast because of the schools. They have schools nearby and they have to expand those schools because we have so many people coming in,” said Williams.
St. Johns County School District officials said that based on student generation rates, the Durbin Park project is projected to generate about 279 students.
If there are capacity issues, the developer would be required to pay to help the county build new schools or expansion.
Phase 1 of the development is set to open in 2018.