After Mayor Norris reversed his stance last Friday, the Palm Coast City Council has now united in unanimous opposition to Belvedere Terminals’ proposed fuel storage facility off US 1.
Palm Coast, FL — All members of the Palm Coast City Council have now publicly voiced opposition to Belvedere Terminals’ proposed fuel storage facility off U.S. 1, signaling the end of a controversial project that had drawn significant public concern.
Council members were united in their stances that the proposed fuel depot does not reflect the city’s vision for future economic development. Although the project requires Flagler County’s approval before advancing, city leaders clarified that they would not support it even if it returned for consideration.
“I don’t think there’ll ever be anything for us to vote on,” City Councilman Ty Miller stated, emphasizing that the grant application must go through the county first. “But if it somehow came back to us, I would not support it.”
Charles Gambaro, who had expressed skepticism in previous discussions, stated plainly, “I’m a no on the project.” They further recommended that the city avoid spending any resources on site selection, given the lack of support for the project itself.
Palm Coast Vice Mayor Theresa Pontieri, who had originally requested a site analysis to allow for a more detailed review, publicly acknowledged the shift in direction. “I’m very grateful, Mayor, that you were able to reverse course,” the Vice Mayor said. “That’s a hard thing to do, and it means a lot to our residents, who haven’t experienced that kind of responsiveness in some time.”
Vice Mayor Theresa Pontieri quickly emphasized that rejecting the project was not a rejection of business opportunities in general. “This is not anti-business — we’re just not desperate,” she added. “Palm Coast is a great place to live, work, and play. If someone can’t see that, they’re not the long-term partner we need.”
Acting City Manager Lauren Johnston confirmed that staff would discontinue any further efforts on Belvedere and notify the company of the council’s decision.
With all council members now publicly against the project, city staff confirmed they will not proceed with site analysis and will inform the company of the city’s position.
