- March 13, 2025
The City Council on Tuesday unanimously agreed to move forward with the development of a 216-unit assisted-living facility off Colbert Lane, located behind Blare Drive, of the Woodlands.
The Planning and Land Development Regulation Board unanimously approved the project last month.
The approval rezoned three separate parcels, totaling about 71.4 acres, of which approximately 14 acres will allowed to be developed. The development, named Grand Living, will feature several four- to five-story buildings and 25,000 square feet of commercial development potential.
Following approval Tuesday night, the City Council must vote a second time for final adoption. But before the final vote, some changes will be made to the proposal to address concerns from Woodlands residents.
The biggest change, which was repeatedly mentioned by Woodlands residents last month and at Tuesday’s night’s meeting, is the elimination of an entrance to the community off Blare Drive. Instead, there will be two entrances off Colbert Lane.
The second change is transferring all the conservation area to a public agency, such as the city, to ensure it remains preserved. Third, the zoning on the property must be changed to a less-intense commercial zoning. And last, all efforts will be taken during the site plan process to keep the height of the buildings as low as possible, but still maintain the maximum 216 units that were approved.
Developer Jim Cullis agreed Tuesday to all four of the proposed changes.
Many of the residents who spoke Tuesday night objected to the proposal. A few residents, mostly Grand Haven residents, spoke in support.
Aside from the issues the City Council did address, the other main question asked was why the proposed location was selected. Instead, residents said, it would make more sense in Town Center, near the hospital and other medical buildings.
“The obvious answer is that I think this area of town needs this type of community,” Cullis said. “This area of town does not have a continuing care neighborhood. I think it’s the need for east of Interstate 95, and I think it’s an appropriate use for it.”
City Councilman Jason DeLorenzo said having a community like Grand Living is good for all of Flagler County.
“Being able to keep the family unit together is something we have lost in this country,” said DeLorenzo, who choked up during his comments. He said he’s dealing with a personal issue related to the proposed assisted-living facility. “This is why I think that this project is important for our community. Having the opportunity for your family to stay in their community builds a stronger community.”
Cullis, who said the adult-living community would be open to the public, not just Grand Haven residents, agreed.
“The idea of Grand Living is you have a place to go that’s really the next neighborhood you move to, and you don’t have to leave your friends ... and you can stay in Palm Coast,” he said.
