Exciting news from the Palm Coast City Council meeting: At today’s workshop, the Palm Coast City Council discussed two different agenda items that show Palm Coast continuing business-friendly initiatives and our local government working to solve problems (before they become problems). More below…
Government Solving Infrastructure/Growth Challenges
The extension of Citation Boulevard, connecting Belle Terre to Seminole Woods has a significant positive public impact on fire service, utilities and traffic. As presented to City Council last year, a need for two fire stations south of SR100 are identified in the 2020-2029 Palm Coast Fire Department Station Location Study; one on Belle Terre Boulevard and another on Seminole Woods Boulevard.
The study did not contemplate Citation connecting the two north / south arterials. When the opportunity to extend Citation was presented to the Fire Department, they determined they would be able to serve both southern areas of the City with one station located on Seminole Woods. The property required for the station is already in inventory. The reduction of one fire station has a significant long-term financial benefit to the citizens of Palm Coast.
Business-Friendly Agreement w/ Ground Up, Inc. (new business relocating to the city)
Ground Up, is now relocating their entire operation to Palm Coast to allow the company to expand into over 70,000 sq. ft. and requested an economic development incentive.
A Recapture Enhanced Value Grant is a modern, performance based, incentive agreement utilized by the cities of Jacksonville and Lakeland where a portion of ad-valorem property taxes paid by the company are granted back for certain allowable expenses.
The agreement that the City Council will consider will provide a grant of up to 75% of the city’s property taxes collected on Ground Up, Inc.’s new location (approximately $10,000/year) to allow Ground Up, Inc. to support local schools, reinvest in their business, along with other options.
The Palm Coast City Council will vote on both items at upcoming City Council meetings.