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Mayor Mike Norris went one step further, saying the city should be in control of the airport.
With citizens continuing to voice concerns about the noise around the Flagler Executive Airport, the Palm Coast City Council agreed on April 1 to put legal pressure on Flagler County. Mayor Mike Norris went a step further, proposing that the city consider trying to take control of the airport.
“I think we should pressure the county into turning the airport over to us,” he said.
The city is at the mercy of the county as well as the Federal Aviation Administration, City Councilman Ty Miller said.
In addition to the noise that is beyond the city’s control, Norris added: “We are losing a lot of economic opportunity by not having the airport. … Really, it should be under city control. That’s just my perspective.”
Vice Mayor Theresa Pontieri said the citizens’ noise concerns represent “a quality of life issue.”
Based on prior discussions with the city attorney’s office, Pontieri proposed filing a complaint under the Code of Federal Regulations Part 13 with the FAA. She explained it as a dispute resolution tool that helps to avoid arbitration. She hopes it will be a message to the county saying, “Hey, let’s all get around the table and talk.”
The discussion follows presentation by Flagler County staff, at the Feb. 25 City Council meeting. Flagler County is proposing the adoption of an airport overlay ordinance, a statutory requirement for airports to ensure safety through zoning regulations regarding potential hazards or obstructions, which is scheduled for its first public hearing on April 7.
All four of the council members agreed to pursue the CFR procedure.
FINAL PLATS
The City Council approved the final plat applications of three developments on April 1. The final platting is the last step in establishing legally recognized lots for sale and development. The votes of the developments below were each 3-1, with Mayor Mike Norris dissenting.
Somerset Phase 2: KB Home’s 45-acre development with 147 single-family lots is located west of U.S. 1, about 2 miles north of Palm Coast Parkway. This is the property that was rezoned in 2020 and is now immediately to the east of the proposed fuel terminal.
Lakeview Estates Tract 1: Forestar (USA) Real Estate Group Inc.’s 95-acre development with 200 single-family lots is located on Lakeview Boulevard, one mile north of Matanzas Woods Parkway.
Grand Landings Phase 5A: JTL Grand Landings Development LCC’s 59-acre development with 142 single-family lots is located south of Citation Boulevard, about .5 miles east of Belle Terre Boulevard.
In each case, infrastructure improvements including roads and lift stations are to be constructed and installed at the sole cost of the developer, according to the city documents. The roadways and stormwater management facilities are to remain privately owned and maintained by the developments. The developers also pay impact fees, staff said.
In each case, staff recommended approval, noting that the projects meet the technical requirements in both city codes and Florida Statutes.
COUNCIL CANDIDATES
On April 8, the Palm Coast City Council will narrow the field of potential appointees to the council. The council members conducted interviews on April 1 of 10 remaining candidates vying to be appointed to fill the vacancy caused by the health-related resignation of Ray Stevens. One candidate, Scott Pillath, has withdrawn, according to Mayor Mike Norris.
STATE LAWS
After a trip to Tallahassee by Pontieri, Miller, Gambaro and staff members, they reported that House Rep. Sam Greco is advocating well for city infrastructure projects. However, there are 50 other bills being considered that chip away at city tax revenues, Chief of Staff Jason DeLorenzo reported. One law could encourage accessory dwelling units (granny flats), which Norris has adamantly opposed. The council joked about the state laws, feeling resigned that it was inevitable the laws would not help Palm Coast.
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