The Flagler County Commission on Monday decided not to move forward with legal action against the Flagler Beach city government. A dispute has been ongoing between the two parties over the details of a major land annexation, which has stalled over potential legal troubles.
The Summertown housing development near John Anderson Highway was first approved by the Flagler Beach City Commission in January. A second vote will be needed to finalize the annexation, which will likely happen in the near future. Once Flagler Beach annexes the land, it will be an addition of 545 acres to the city’s total area.
The vote not to sue Flagler Beach was 4-1, with Commissioner Kim Carney dissenting. Carney has said that her concerns over reclaimed water have yet to be adequately addressed in order for her to support the settlement reached on Monday.
Now that the Flagler Beach City Commission knows they will not be opposed by the county government, little stands in the way of the final approval needed to kickstart the construction of Summertown. That development was largely supported by the Flagler Beach City Commission even through apprehension over details, with the exception of Commissioner John Cunningham.
Among the highest priorities for the County Commission are its plans to purchase 153 acres from the developer’s area to turn into conservation land. While that initially represented a holdup in negotiations, it was resolved with the agreement of an extended three-year window for the county to gather the funding to make the purchase.
Chris Gollon is a Flagler County resident since 2004, as well as a staple of the local independent music scene and avid observer of Central Florida politics, arts, and recreation.
