EVOLVE Business and Professional Magazine May 2020 | Page 13

The approach we’ve got to have is higher paying jobs. They’re
coming in, they want to be part of the community, and Volusia is a
phenomenal place to live.”
community’s package, as are lawn and landscaping services, and
gated security.
“What attracts everyone is that it’s pretty much a carefree
lifestyle,” said Bledsoe. “It’s very low maintenance, and it’s a gated
community.”
Is there a demand for this type of housing in Volusia County?
Bledsoe says yes.
“There’s 35 homes on site, of which we have 15 residents living
there now. Everything is brand new. This community will be 427
units when it’s completed and we have access to another 1,150
home sites if we decide to go that route,” he said.
Challenges – Build It And They Will Come, If They Can
Afford It …
“Florida is now the third largest
state in the nation, and our population
continues to grow,” reminds Briley, while
noting the need for additional housing
in a market where buyers are rapidly
snapping up inventory.
“It is my opinion that we have a
housing shortage in Volusia County. As
Jaimie Ross
of this writing, there are currently 2,535
residential properties for sale in the Daytona Beach Multiple Listing
Service. About two weeks ago, this number was hovering around
3,000,” he said in February 2020.
He also knows with a median income between $38,000 and
$42,000, it can be challenging for families to find affordable housing
in Volusia County, affecting the decision to rent or buy.
“We also face a shortage of workforce housing,” said Briley.
“With the average median home sale price around $250,000, it
is difficult for many in our area who work in retail and services
industries to purchase a home. This is not unique to our area,
as many communities around the country are working to find
solutions to this problem.”
Florida Housing Coalition President & CEO Jaimie Ross said
she was encouraged by the recent legislative session in Tallahassee
supporting the Sadowski Trust Fund and associated programs like
the State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program (SHIP).
“The outstanding leadership by Governor DeSantis, Senate
President Galvano, and Volusia’s Senator Travis Hutson, will bring
over $5.7 million in SHIP funds to Volusia County during fiscal year
2020-21,” said Ross.
“We estimate that the local SHIP office will be able to help
600 income-eligible households in the community. This can be life
Travis Hutson
changing for those families who are in
need of life and safety home repairs or
help in terms of down payment and
closing costs to move into affordable
homeownership. The housing funds
also create a positive economic impact in
Volusia County of approximately $76.6
million dollars. Volusia County, like the
rest of the state, has been waiting for 13
years to see the trust funds restored to
full appropriation. This is a great victory for Volusia County,” said
Ross.
Florida Senator Travis Hutson agrees.
“The rising housing costs in Volusia County have reinforced
the need for affordable housing in our communities. I am proud to
have successfully championed for the full funding of the Sadowksi
Affordable Housing Trust Fund, at $370 million. By securing these
funds, we will be able to invest in affordable housing projects across
the state, including right here in Volusia County, and help to build
stronger, more sustainable communities.”
Tasked with recruiting companies that provide higher wage jobs
to the area from industries like aviation, aerospace and the medical
field, Keith Norden, President & CEO of the Team Volusia Economic
Development Corporation attributes some of the housing industry’s
building and growth to demand.
“I think it’s more population growth within Florida,” said
Norden. “The most recent count is over 900 people a day moving to
Florida and that’s what they’re building for.”
Volusia County Council Chairman Ed Kelley agrees the two go
hand in hand.
“The approach we’ve got to have is higher paying jobs. They’re
coming in, they want to be part of the community, and Volusia is a
phenomenal place to live,” said Kelley.
“It’s off the charts great. You live where you have the (beautiful)
weather that we have, access to major areas like Orlando, the
outdoor activities that we have, 47 miles of beaches – all these
things going for you, at a reasonable cost of living.”
Danielle Anderson has worked in the public
relations and media industry for a decade.
She started her career as a reporter for Flagler
Broadcasting where she discovered her passion for
telling the stories of communities in Florida.
MAY 2020 | 7 |