Not so fast, as Lee Corso would say.
In a surprise move, the Bunnell City Commission voted 3-2 late Monday night to reconsider the proposed 8,000-home Reserve at Haw Creek development—just two weeks after rejecting it.
Flagler Live reported that the item was not listed on the meeting’s agenda, and that most spectators had left by the time Mayor Catherine Robinson asked for a vote to revisit the project.
The reversal, the outlet reported, was spurred by a three-hour meeting Monday morning between Robinson, City Manager Alvin Jackson, and representatives from the developer, Northeast Florida Investors.
Commissioner Pete Young, who had voted against the proposal on June 9, flipped without asking questions, offering the motion after Robinson brought it up around 8:30 p.m,, Flagler Live reported.
The developer, officials said, have indicated a willingness to pare down the project that would have increased Bunnell’s population sixfold.
Just weeks ago, the panel voted down the plan under intense public pressure by a 3-2 tally.
Backers contended that the development would bolster Bunnell’s coffers and produce a tax windfall.
Critics countered that it would fundamentally alter the area’s character and multiply traffic in the process.
Monday’s vote caught the scatter of remaining audience members off guard, Flagler LIve reported.
Residents who opposed the initial push said they were startled by the about face.
Allison Nobles said she had called City Hall the day before and was told the matter would not arise.
“So I’m, like, shocked that we’re at the end of today’s meeting hearing that there is new news,” she told the site.
Robinson backed the vote by saying the developer was working on a significantly revised plan that would perhaps quell opposition.
“This is not some gotcha thing,” she said.
