Commission approves New Way Christian Fellowship semi-public use on East Moody Boulevard with conditions

Flagler County commissioners approved a semi-public use application for New Way Christian Fellowship to construct a 37,000-square-foot church facility on roughly 17 acres on East Moody Boulevard, with conditions recommended by the planning board.

Planning staff described the site plan: approximately 17 acres with about 8.6 acres of wetlands in the rear and 7.8 acres upland in the front; an isolated 14,000-square-foot wetland would require permitting through the St. Johns River Water Management District. The proposed building would include an ~8,000-square-foot sanctuary, classroom space, meeting rooms and offices. The code requires parking at a rate of one space per four seats (an estimated 265 spaces for the sanctuary); the applicant proposed 354 spaces, including 11 ADA spaces.

Staff told the board the planning and development board recommended approval at its March 18 meeting with one additional condition asking that a portion of Old Moody Boulevard be dedicated to the county for right-of-way. Staff also recommended standard conditions including coordination with the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office for traffic control at special events.

Applicant counsel Rob Merrill and project representatives said they accepted the conditions and thanked planning staff. No public speakers addressed the item during the public-comment period.

The board approved the semi-public use with the stated conditions by roll-call vote.

What’s next: staff will finalize the conditions and coordinate permitting and any required environmental permits with state agencies as needed.