- April 26, 2024
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Palm Coast’s top goal in its Prosperity 2021 plan: focusing on the neighborhoods and the effects of the housing downturn.
Palm Coast city staff has secured more than $10 million in grants to help revitalize neighborhoods, according to a presentation May 31 updating the City Council on the progress made on the city’s Prosperity 2021 economic development plan.
Beau Falgout, senior economic development planner, said the city applied for more than $90 million in grants. The city has also opened a Business Assistance Center and expanded its FiberNET clients list to include Florida Hospital Flagler and the Flagler County School District.
Falgout also pointed out that there have been 33 community events, which attracts visitors and encourage spending.
“The city, from the City Council down to every employee, continues to focus on economic development through our comprehensive plan, Prosperity 2021,’’ Falgout said.
“They are extraordinarily consistent,” Palm Coast Mayor Jon Netts said in regard to the city’s goals of focusing on neighborhoods and developing the economy. “Cross off what we accomplished, and let’s finish what’s still on the list.”
Added City Council member Frank Meeker Meeker: “It’s measurable ... and it’s the locally driven, locally controlled.”
Focus on neighborhoods
The city has focused on revitalizing the neighborhoods by various programs and actions. Through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, 20 homes have been purchased, and 30 are planned for next year. One-hundred percent of the initial grant funds have been expended, and $448,092 has been spent with local businesses, according to a city presentation.
The city recently was awarded $750,000 as part of a Community Development Block Grant to help rehabilitate approximately 10 more homes. Additionally, $1,277,976 has been saved by building permit applicants because of the 90% fee discount. Neighborhood signs, gateways and medians have been constructed and completed, including the Country Club Cove sign in Palm Harbor.
The city also showed progress on its “Welcome Home” postcard program. The city mailed 10,440 postcards and got 72 responses — five plan to move to Palm Coast within one year, 40 within five years, and 14 within 10 years.
Business Assistance Center
The city’s Business Assistance Center is officially open, and it will have its grand opening June 15. The center is a partnership with Daytona State College and the University of Central Florida and serves as a liaison between essential resources and will also assist with training, growth, expansion and navigating regulatory requirements for all companies who are looking for help.
