In a 4-1 vote, the Bunnell City Commission on Monday rejected the Reserve at Haw Creek, a proposed 2,787-acre development including 8,000 homes and an 800-site RV park, according to a report.
The Flagler County project would have multiplied the city’s population sixfold in one swoop — prompting commissioner John Rogers to state that it would “forever change the face of the city of Bunnell,” Flagler Live reported.
Bunnell Mayor Catherine Robinson, who initially voted to approve the project, switched her tally and joined the majority without explanation.
Commissioner Pete Young also reversed course during the meeting, withdrawing his second on the motion to approve.
The chamber, packed with seething residents opposed to the plan, erupted in applause when Commissioners Rogers and David Atkinson voiced their opposition.
Rogers criticized the project’s scale and traffic impact, saying, “We don’t need a traffic study. We know.”
In explaining his opposition, Atkinson said traffic studies show that daily trips would increase from 8,817 to over 81,000 in the town roughly 40 miles from St. Augustine.
Both pointed to pressing concerns over infrastructure, traffic, and general quality of life.
The development was promoted as a financial windfall for the area, but vocal critics argued it would impose long-term costs in city services, staff, and maintenance.
Public comments were overwhelmingly critical of the plan.
County officials also weighed in, citing concerns about wetland compatibility and traffic impact.
Ultimately, the commission denied the rezoning. The developer can still appeal in Circuit Court, but the project is effectively neutralized for the time being.
