- July 7, 2026
The Palm Coast City Council unanimously approved donating two city-owned residential lots to Flagler Habitat for Humanity during its July 7 business meeting, allowing the nonprofit to build affordable homes on properties that have remained vacant after the original homes were destroyed by fire.
The two parcels were acquired by the city through code enforcement proceedings after the homes were damaged by fire and later abandoned. Community Development Director John Zobler told council members the properties were previously residential lots that had been declared surplus after a prospective buyer was unable to secure financing. The council had already designated the parcels as suitable for affordable housing redevelopment.
Before the vote, Palm Coast City Council District 4 candidate Darlene Shelley urged the council not to donate the land outright, arguing the city should instead sell the lots at a reduced price to generate revenue.
"I don't think it's fiscally responsible to be giving away city property," Shelley said, noting that Palm Coast faces future budget challenges and uncertainty surrounding proposed property tax changes. While praising Habitat for Humanity's mission, she argued the organization has the financial resources to purchase the properties and suggested any proceeds could be used to fund other community needs.
Palm Coast City Council District 2 candidate Jeani Duarte also opposed the donation, telling the council she agreed with Shelley's concerns about giving away city-owned property.
Staff explained the city received a request from Flagler Habitat for Humanity to acquire the parcels. Because the lots had already been identified by the council for affordable housing, staff determined the donation was appropriate and noted Habitat for Humanity would cover all closing costs associated with the transfer.
Vice Mayor Theresa Pontieri defended the proposal, explaining that state law requires local governments to periodically identify surplus property that can be used for affordable housing. She emphasized the city is donating only two residential lots that came into city ownership through code enforcement rather than through taxpayer purchase.
"I actually think that this is something small that we can do without spending taxpayer dollars to help with what is an affordable housing crisis in the state of Florida," Pontieri said.
She also noted that leaving the lots vacant requires the city to continue paying for maintenance, while Habitat for Humanity will return the properties to productive use by building homes for local families.
Council member Dave Sullivan agreed, saying the project will ultimately benefit the city by transforming vacant lots into occupied homes.
"I think in the long run it'll be positive for the city," Sullivan said, adding that future homeowners will contribute to the community and tax base.
Mayor Mike Norris also supported the donation, noting the land will be used to provide affordable housing rather than for private profit.
Following the discussion, the council voted unanimously to approve the land donation, clearing the way for Flagler Habitat for Humanity to build two affordable homes on the formerly fire-damaged residential properties.
