BUNNELL, Fla. – A major development proposal is on the agenda for Bunnell city commissioners on Monday night.
The Reserve at Haw Creek could more than quadruple the city’s population, making it the largest development in Flagler County history since Palm Coast was created.
This project would cover 2,800 acres and include up to 8,000 homes, along with an RV park that could accommodate 800 motor homes. If approved, this development could increase Bunnell’s current population of about 3,000 people by tenfold.
While some residents believe this growth would be beneficial for the city, others feel it may be too much too quickly.
“Everybody says, ‘Oh, you’re going to get the Ad Valorem taxes,’ but we have to weigh it,” said Vice Mayor John Rogers.
The developer behind The Reserve at Haw Creek is asking for permission to build 8,000 homes at a mix of affordable and market-rate prices. The proposal also includes 440,000 square feet of commercial and retail space, as well as 1,115 acres set aside for conservation. The development would feature its own sewer and water systems.
“This is a big decision for this board,” Rogers added. “We have to weigh the quality of life for our citizens and economic development and growth.”
County Road 65 is one of the roads that would border the project. While the area is currently rural, many residents live nearby. Some are planning to attend the meeting Monday night to voice their concerns about the project.
Resident Mary Gerber expressed her worries, stating, “I am concerned about the impact on the road—the traffic coming in and out. I’m concerned there would be increases in our taxes at some point or an attempt to incorporate us.”
The proposed development would be located near County Road 65, State Road 11, and State Road 100.
Gerber also mentioned her concerns about the environmental impact, particularly regarding Haw Creek.
“That’s a very big concern I know for the residents there, and it’s a concern for us because of the impact it may have on the environment,” she said.
On Monday, the commissioners will have to make two important decisions: whether to rezone the land for this planned unit development and whether to approve the project itself.