- April 18, 2024
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Over 50 people attended the City Commission meeting on April 3, many of whom felt strongly in opposition over the most recent clearing of trees on Granada adjacent to the historic Three Chimneys site for the upcoming Granada Pointe development.
Much like the City Commission meeting on Feb. 20, several residents voiced their opinions on the topic, stating thoughts such as that the recent projects have favored developers over residents, that the half-million-dollar in transportation improvements on Tomoka Avenue and Granada Boulevard— which will include a new traffic light — paid by the developer will not benefit the residents and that hope of regaining public trust begins with putting back rules preventing overdevelopment.
“The developer never had a right to develop Granada Pointe to what it has become," Ormond Beach resident Suzanne Scheiber said. "The land was rezoned and approved by the commissioners and the mayor.”
Ormond beach resident Sandy Kauffman, a Volusia County Deputy Clerk of Court, also announced her intent to run for City
“I stand with these gentlemen — We’re a team. Blame us all if you wish.”
Rick Boehm, Zone 3 City Commissioner
Commission in the upcoming election to represent zone three, currently held by City Commissioner Rick Boehm. She earned applause from the audience when she quickly outlined her platform, which she said includes fighting to save trees and push environmentally-conscious growth.
However, at least three City Commissioners didn't agree with the public's perception.
“The idea that we never have supported trees or we never support the environment or we never think of the environment is just wrong,” Boehm said.
Boehm went on to defend Holub, saying that he wasn't an out-of-towner meaning to destroy the city. He suggested concerned residents take a look at the landscape plan for Granada Pointe, which will replant over 300 trees. He said this is going to beautify Granada Boulevard.
“We’re not ignoring the need to beautify or make a city look good," Boehm said. "We recognize this need and we’re trying to do what we can to support that need.”
He also announced he will be running for re-election, citing his 15 consecutive years of experience serving the city as well as his fellow City Commissioner's love for Ormond Beach and their collective want to make the city the best it can be. If anyone believes otherwise, Boehm said to run against them, adding that city issues go beyond one development.
“I stand with these gentlemen — We’re a team," Boehm said. "Blame us all if you wish.”
City Commissioner Troy Kent mentioned a meeting that happened 10 years ago where Super Target wanted to build on the current Nova Community Park baseball fields. He said it was a resounding no from the City Commission, even after the developer offered to rebuild the baseball fields in the old landfill behind them.
“So when you think that the commission, the members up here, don’t support trees and this community, that’s outrageous, ridiculous and you don’t know the whole story," Kent said. "There’s two sides to it.”
Mayor Bill Partington said residents should wait until the development is finished to judge it, and, that regardless of whether or not it was rezoned, the land would have had to be totally cleared and filled due to it being low-lying. Had the developer kept trees and filled the land around them, the trees would have also died, he said.
He said developer Paul Holub has gone "above and beyond" with his plans for the property, including its storm water retention, planned landscape buffer and 44% tree preservation onsite, a majority of which is found in the 10.06 acres behind the Moose Lodge, when the city only requires 15%.
“I think this commission has taken an unfair beating and I asked a couple months ago ‘what is the agenda?’ and I kept asking that," Partington said. "What is the agenda? And I think we’ve seen tonight what the agenda is.”
