A major expenditure was approved by the Volusia County Council to bolster the area’s affordable housing market on Tuesday. The $10.4 million investment, made up completely of Hurricane Ian relief money from the federal government, will go toward 280 new apartments in Volusia. All seven county council members voted in favor: Jeff Brower, Don Dempsey, Jake Johansson, Troy Kent, Matt Reinhart, Danny Robins, and David Santiago.
Though the move may be seen as some to be a sign of accelerated growth at a time when some residents are hoping to pump the brakes, County Council members view the action as simply restoring what the county lost in Hurricane Ian back in September 2022. Personnel from the county told the Council that the three public housing authorities suffered $20 million in damages from Ian, which would place the expenditure approved on Monday at just over half of the true losses incurred.
Of the 280 new units being built, they will be spread out across Daytona Beach, DeLand, New Smyrna Beach, and Orange City. The Daytona Beach allotment, made up of 56 units with a rent cap of approximately $656 a month, will be exclusively senior housing with no children allowed in the complex. Acruva Community Developers will be constructing the project.
DeLand’s allotment will have 84 units, with 13 of them specifically intended for homeless occupancy. The New Smyrna Beach portion will contain 60 units on previously flooded land, with new drainage work being done to avoid future flood damage. Orange City will be receiving 80 units, reserved for those making at most 80% of the median area income, with 52 out of the 80 reserved for those making 60% or less.
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.
Priscilla Simonetti
February 22, 2025 at 8:06 pm
Does this apply to Section 8. I handed in all my paperwork and I’m just waiting for an interview. My rent will be increased again in June and I will have to move if that happens. The Dept of Housing told me that President Trump put a hold on it. Please let me know what is happening. Thank you.
Jacqueline
March 13, 2025 at 11:01 am
The need for affordable housing in Volusia county has longed been ignored. Especially, those areas highly affected by natural disasters and flooding. Currently, the housing market has heighten monthly rent far above affordability and fairness to the residents who are in serious need of permanent housing. With the county addressing this critical housing need this shares the voice of its community have been heard.