City of Black explores property acquisition for affordable housing under Live Local Act

The Palatka Commission meeting held on March 28, 2025, focused on key discussions regarding local housing initiatives and infrastructure improvements.

One of the primary topics was the evaluation of properties under the Live Local Act, a piece of legislation aimed at promoting affordable housing. City officials identified at least six properties that could be leveraged for residential and affordable housing purposes. The discussion emphasized the importance of utilizing existing city-owned properties to maximize funding efficiency, as current financial resources are limited. Officials expressed a desire to acquire these properties but noted challenges in negotiations with state authorities, who prefer to purchase properties outright rather than allowing the city to leverage its existing assets.

Additionally, the meeting touched on the need for road servicing projects. City representatives highlighted the importance of addressing infrastructure needs to improve local transportation and accessibility.

Overall, the discussions underscored the city's commitment to enhancing affordable housing options and improving infrastructure, while also navigating the complexities of funding and property acquisition. The commission plans to continue pursuing these initiatives and will provide updates as progress is made.