NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — The City of New Port Richey is moving forward with a plan to build two coastal cottage homes in the Edgewater Gardens subdivision.
Both homes will be built on two lots that are currently owned by the city. Those lots are within the flood zone classification AE, which indicates an elevated risk of flooding.
This subdivision flooded during hurricanes Helene and Milton, forcing many of its occupants to leave. The project is being over-seen by the city’s economic development director, Dave Gammon.
Gammon says construction of the homes is part of a bigger initiative to develop new housing that aligns with the city’s goal of building resilient neighborhoods.
“We cannot produce the same neighborhood again,” said Gammon. “These were built decades ago. They’re not sustainable, they’re not safe, they’re not resilient. What we can do with coastal cottage is change that, and if we can figure a way to make it affordable for the residents here and new residents, that’s what the aim is or the goal.”
The coastal design of the homes will feature an elevated floor plan with a garage or carport on the ground level, allowing living spaces above that so that they are protected from flooding.
Gammon says they are still in the process of hiring a builder. As for a timeline, he says they hope to have the two homes finished by early 2027.
Calvin Lewis
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