Port Orange approves three property acquisitions for flood mitigation; staff details HMGP funding and Nixon Lane plan
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Summary
Council voted unanimously to approve three property acquisitions (20a–c) to support larger stormwater and pump-station projects. Staff said two purchases are HMGP-funded (75% reimbursement) and will provide about three acres for the Nixon Lane pond and pump station concept.
The Port Orange City Council approved three property acquisitions tied to larger stormwater projects after an informational presentation by Robin Fenwick, assistant city manager. The three items (20a, 20b, 20c) were opened for discussion and individually voted on; each measure passed by unanimous roll call vote (5–0).
Fenwick said two of the properties (Trailwood Drive and Sugarhouse Drive) are proposed for acquisition through the state's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), which would reimburse 75% of acquisition and demolition costs for eligible repetitive‑loss properties. The third Bears Trail parcel is part of the city's local match for a Nixon Lane stormwater pond and pump‑station concept. Together the Bears Trail parcels are expected to provide roughly three acres for a stormwater pond and pump station that will feed to the larger Madeline/Pepper Hill project and then out to the Halifax River.
Staff emphasized acquisition criteria: repetitive flood history, NFIP claims, adjacency to prior city acquisitions or public lands and the property’s ability to improve access for maintenance. Fenwick said acquired lots designated as open space will be restored with Bahia grass and will remain public space; some parcels adjacent to canals may be used to stage heavy equipment for maintenance.
Council members noted the trade-off of permanently removing homes from the tax base versus reducing flood risk and preserving FEMA participation for affordable flood insurance; staff said demolition will be scheduled after closings and that some owners may remain in place briefly per closing arrangements. Construction for some related projects (the Cambridge pump station) is expected to begin in late spring, while demolition and site restoration for acquisitions were anticipated over the summer timeline following closings.
Votes at a glance: Item 20a — approved 5–0; Item 20b — approved 5–0; Item 20c — approved 5–0. Staff said projects are linked to earlier master‑plan work and to county and federal programs, and they will report back on closings and demolition schedules.
