BY ROBIN MIMNA

A neighborhood meeting hosted by New Hope Church in Deltona to discuss a proposed affordable housing development sparked heated debate Wednesday evening. The meeting, attended by 50-60 local residents, quickly became a flashpoint for opposition to the project, a mixed workforce housing development that could bring up to 120 units to the area.

The church, led by Pastor Dr. William L. Bradley and his wife, Lady Dot Bradley, has served Deltona for over 30 years with a mission to “bring hope” to local families. In partnership with TEDc, a minority- and female-run affordable housing firm, New Hope Church is pushing forward with plans to build the housing development across from the church on Lake Helen Osteen Road, a predominantly rural residential area.

In addition to housing units, a 15,000 square foot community center, a 15,565 square-foot chapel, and a 10,000 school with a park is planned. The total acreage of the area, at 14.43 acres, spans both sides of Lake Helen Osteen Road.

Bradley framed the development as an integral part of the church’s broader mission to provide essential services to the community, including housing, day care, youth programs, and summer camps. 

“We are trying to create a place where people can get help,” Bradley told the crowd. “It’s about bringing hope, not just building houses.”

The proposal faced significant pushback from attendees, particularly regarding a rezoning request required to proceed with the project. The land is currently zoned for rural residential use RR-1, and many residents expressed concern that changing the zoning would alter the character of their neighborhood. The current requires minimum lot sizes of an acre. 

The rezoning request is to change from RR-1 to MPUD (mixed planned unit development). An MPUD is a contract between a developer and the city that allows for a developer to have more latitude in building and zoning regulations.  

Former Deltona District 1 City Commissioner Loren King, a vocal critic of the development, argued against the zoning change. 

“We purchased rural, residential property. That’s why we’re here. We want the zoning to stay RR-1,” he said. 

King, who has previously faced controversy over his former association with the Oath Keepers far-right antigovernment group, promised to oppose the rezoning “forever or until you make me move.”

Flooding concerns were another central issue during the meeting. Resident Dennis Latow expressed doubts about the project’s ability to manage water runoff, especially as Volusia County continues to face flooding challenges following a record season of three major hurricanes. 

“I don’t care how many studies you do,” Latow said. “The water has to go somewhere.” 

Many residents worry that continued development will exacerbate the region’s flooding problems, and Volusia County Chair Jeff Brower has called for a discussion at the Nov. 19 County Council meeting on the possibility of a countywide moratorium on new residential construction.

Mark Watts, an attorney for the project, sought to address concerns by emphasizing the critical need for affordable housing, citing a shortfall of approximately 15,000 units in Volusia County. He also responded to questions about property values.

“Studies show that well-managed, affordable housing projects do not harm property values. In fact, they can help stabilize neighborhoods,” said Watts.

But attendees remained unconvinced, with vocal interruptions and criticisms throughout the meeting. 

At one point, a local schoolteacher directly challenged Bradley: “Can you look me in the face and tell me after everything you’ve heard tonight, that this is going to bring hope to our community?” 

Bradley responded, “We’ve already done that. We are not just building and saying goodbye. We are part of this community.”

There will be at least three more public hearings, including before the Planning and Zoning Board, who will make a recommendation to the Deltona City Commission before the project moves forward. The hearings have yet to be scheduled.