- April 18, 2024
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Electronic, changeable sign requested to spur business.
Wayne Grant
News Editor
Things might start jumping at Destination Daytona. Dean Pepe, general counsel at Bruce Rossmeyer’s Harley Davidson, hopes a Get Air Trampoline Park will start a development boom at the site.
But before he can close the deal with Get Air, he needs City Commission approval for an electronic, changeable sign that would be visible from Interstate 95.
In 2010, the City Commission considered allowing electronic signs when a variance was requested by a church. The idea was voted down when officials were concerned about electronic signs throughout the city.
Pepe asked the Planning Board on Sept.10 for their approval on an electronic sign.
After much discussion, the Planning Board gave their OK, but it will be up to the City Commission to give final approval in two readings, tentatively set for Oct. 20 and Nov. 3.
The city of Ormond Beach recently annexed Destination Daytona in two phases. The first phase, which contains the Harley-Davidson dealership, was annexed on Aug. 18, and the second phase, an area to the north along Interstate 95, was annexed on Sept. 9.
Most of the area is owned by the Rossmeyer family, but several companies, such as Wyotech Daytona, own their land. Giant Recreation World purchased land in the area and is now clearing it for a recreational vehicle showroom.
More development sought
The recently annexed area has several buildings that are empty and a lot of land that could be developed
“We’re trying to fill up the spaces,” said Pepe, who also serves as Realtor. “It’s important to get tenants.”
He said an electronic sign visible from I-95 would be a huge enhancement to get new businesses and also help the existing businesses that are not visible from the road.
An electronic sign was legal when the area was in the county, but now after annexation, city approval is needed because they are not approved in city code.
There are some around the city, but they were constructed in different times and are now nonconforming, according to City Attorney Randy Hayes.
“If a hurricane knocked down the message sign in front of the Performing Arts Center, we wouldn’t be able to put it back up,” he said.
There is currently an electronic changeable sign at Destination Daytona and it will also be nonconforming until a resolution is passed.
Board concerned about electronic signs
Attorney James Morris, representing Destination Daytona, told the Planning Board that all signs are changeable, whether they are electronic or have to be changed manually. He said the proposed sign would change every two minutes, and a person driving at freeway speeds would not see it change.
He said the technology for the signs continues to improve and the new one would look like a high-resolution television.
Planning Board members were concerned that other locations would also request electronic changeable signs. Vice Chairman Harold Briley suggested that the resolution be written in a way that allows the signs only along I-95, and Morris said he had no problem with that. The resolution also states the signs can only be used in “entertainment” areas,
Some members were hesitant about approving a changing sign, but Chairman Doug Thomas didn’t think it would be a problem.
“I can’t figure who would be affected by a changing sign,” he said. “Maybe a panhandler on the Interstate … or someone filling up at the gas station.”
Board Member Lori Tolland said electronic signs are more attractive than wooden billboards that are falling down. She also said she would approve a sign that changes every minute.
“One minute is forever when you’re driving.”
The board voted unanimously to recommend approval of the sign to the City Commission. Some changes to the sign code were also recommended, which would allow the businesses to have more signage along their walls.
Destination Daytona has several types of businesses in mind for the area, including bingo, auction, bowling, convenience stores, office space, night club, theater, lodging, etc.
