- October 31, 2024
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The would-be developer of the Gardens, a controversial residential community along John Anderson Highway, has withdrawn his request for rezoning and will instead pursue a more modest planned unit development. The result would be 330 homes, rather than his previous proposal of 3,966.
Developer Ken Belshe informed Flagler County of his reduced intentions in September, when he also revealed that he may be interested in selling land on the west side of John Anderson.
Belshe's land already has entitlements for as many as 453 homes, as well as 230,000 square feet of commercial, retail and multifamily. But the plans aren't settled just yet.
Belshe's first step was to submit a sketch plat — a simplified plan for the 330 homes — to Planning Director Adam Mengel, but Mengel wrote a letter on Oct. 11 letter to Belshe stating that his plat didn't match the requirements of the planned unit development. For instance, the more recent proposal shifts all of the development to the east side of John Anderson Highway; includes direct access to John Anderson Highway rather than indirect access through a tunnel or bridge; and leaves out the potential development of the adjacent golf course.
"Should you choose to appeal this determination of non-compliance with our original PUD entitlement, because it is a land use matter, your appeal will be heard before the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners," Mengel wrote.
But, Mengel said, Belshe met with County Administrator Jerry Cameron and County Attorney Al Hadeed on Oct. 18 to discuss options other than an appeal. Talks continue.
The proposal for a 3,966-home community on John Anderson had prompted more than 330 people to turn up to a community meeting about the proposal in July. Many said they thought the development would overwhelm the area with traffic, and potentially contributed to the degradation of nearby Bulow Creek. A change.org petition in opposition to the proposed development had 14,750 signatures as of Oct. 21.
Brian McMillan contributed to this story.
