Daytona Beach Donates Land for Affordable Housing

While governments across the state are looking at ways to implement the new Live Local Act to increase affordable and workforce housing opportunities, the city of Daytona Beach is taking a proactive approach.

The City Commission approved an agreement with Mid-Florida Housing Partnership to donate seven city-owned lots for the development of affordable homes for very low, low and moderate-income families. According to a city staff report, each lot will be developed and sold to a qualified household and used as their primary residence. In addition, a building permit must be issued within 12 months of the award date.

The donated lots are located on San Juan Avenue, Cedar Street and Jefferson Street.

“I’ve dedicated my life to helping first-time homebuyers get into a home,” said Lydia Gregg, Mid-Florida Housing Partnership assistant director and senior housing counselor. “Being able to build on these donated lots is a game changer. It makes it possible.”

Gregg said Mid-Florida Housing Partnership works closely with clients, who sometimes spend months filing paperwork and making preparations.

“Our clients are beyond prepared and they just want their chance at changing the trajectory of their lives and their families’ lives,” she said.

Jim Cameron, former senior vice president of government relations at the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce, told commissioners affordable housing was a long-time concern of his.

“We all talked about the need for housing,” he said. “There’s a lot of people out there that are hardworking, and they need to be able to afford a home and have a home to live in.”

City Commissioner Paula Reed said the opportunity for homeownership is something all people deserve.

“Helping them achieve that is an honor,” she said. “I think we need to give to those who need more.”