Council approves donation of unsold infill lots for affordable housing, directs staff to study pocket-park uses for a small number of parcels

The Volusia County Council voted 5–1 on June 17 to put a group of unsold, tax-deeded infill parcels into an affordable housing program and to award development parcels to nonprofit builders, after a lengthy discussion that included park-use proposals from one council member.

“Most of these are infill properties — vacant lots within established neighborhoods,” staff member Brad told the council while presenting the results of a request for proposals the county issued to comply with a statutory requirement to catalog and offer buildable tax-deeded parcels for affordable housing. Two Habitat for Humanity affiliates and Bridal Community Trust emerged as selected recipients for specific parcels, staff said.

Council discussion split along planning and policy lines. Councilman Don Dempsey pushed to hold lots for pocket parks in parts of West Volusia with limited outdoor play space, arguing such small passive parks would help neighborhood children and reduce incentives for new development in flood-prone areas. Parks and Recreation Director Tim Bailey…