Planning board recommends approval of The Cove site plan after drainage changes; neighbors raise flood worries

The Flagler County Planning Board on June 9 recommended approval of The Cove (the Scenic Cove PUD site development plan), endorsing a revised plan that reduces density from an approved 56 lots to 46 and that enlarges stormwater retention to address drainage concerns.

Planner Simone Kenny described required coastal buffers — 25‑foot upland buffer adjacent to wetlands, roughly 280 feet of conservation tract, and a 40‑foot scenic corridor buffer along A1A — and said the plan includes private drive access off A1A, a future boardwalk amenity and stormwater basins sized to meet county and water‑management district requirements. Developer Jim Davis said density was reduced specifically to make the drainage plan feasible.

Neighbors told the board they remain worried about flooding and saltwater intrusion. "We're terrified," said B.C. Young, a nearby resident, who urged protective measures and asked how the project would affect storm flows that already reach Maritime Estates during north‑wind events. Engineer Caitlyn Porter said the drainage design was sized for a 100‑year, 24‑hour storm and included a backflow prevention device and an added bypass pipe along the rear property line to accept flows from the north.

After questions about emergency access, storm modeling and the proposed lift station/roundabout, the board moved to recommend approval; the motion carried unanimously and will be transmitted to the Board of County Commissioners.

Speakers and sources: Planner Simone Kenny, developer Jim Davis, neighbor B.C. Young, engineer Caitlyn Porter, and neighbor Jonathan Norris. Staff noted sewer will connect to the Matanzas Shores system and water will be provided by the City of Palm Coast.

Next steps: The recommendation will be forwarded to the county commission; final engineering and permitting will be completed during preliminary plat and permitting review.