- February 20, 2025
The City Commission approved a $50,000 Building Improvement Grant on March 15 with Wivigeco LLC, a Bill Jones company, for the property at 164 W. Granada Blvd.
The building, previously the site of Halifax Urban Ministries, was a city-owned building until last year when it was traded to Jones for a lot on Lincoln Avenue. The city plans to use the lot for a storm water basin and a passive park.
Jones, also owner of Highlander Corp., has redeveloped several properties on West Granada Boulevard including Ormond Garage, 31 on the Boulevard and Grind Gastropub.
The plan calls for the existing building to be demolished and a two-story building constructed with commercial space on the first floor and a residential unit on the second floor, according to city documents. Each floor will be 1,050 square feet.
Specifications call for the architecture to be consistent with structures in historic St. Augustine, with a stucco tabby finish with seashells; tile roof consistent with the Spanish Mission architectural style; and a balcony on the West Granada Boulevard building side.
The low bid for the total project was $166,733, according to city records.
The City Commission also gave approval to apply for a grant from FDOT for a feasibility study for a bike/pedestrian path that would follow Thompson Creek from Division Avenue to Wilmette Avenue. It would start at Division Avenue west of the rail road tracks and end at Wilmette Avenue west of North U.S. 1. The trail would cross Granada Boulevard and have both urban and rural trail segments.
“Ultimately, this trail has the potential to connect the Central Park area’s population to destination shopping areas, transit stops, civic buildings, and other parks,” city supporting documents state.
The grant amount would be $25,000 and the city would be required to pay 10%.
“I hate to see you go. But you left us in good shape.”
BILL PARTINGTON, on Chief Andy Osterkamp
City commissioners thanked Chief Henry “Andy” Osterkamp for his years of service at their March 15 meeting. The Chief is retiring at the end of the month after 34 years with Ormond Beach Police Department.
“I’ve been so proud to work alongside you,” Troy Kent said. “I’ve found you to be honest, caring, compassionate and strong.”
James Stowers said there are more flamboyant police chiefs, but Osterkamp quietly did effective work.
Rick Boehm noted that Ormond Beach police officers are often seen out in the community, interacting with the public, such as the Coffee with a Cop program.
“This is due to the direction of the police chief,” Boehm said. “I hope to see it continue.”
Police officers must deal with people who are emotionally charged, Bill Partington said, and Chief Osterkamp used empathy and understanding to resolve complex situations.
“I hate to see you go,” he said. “But you left us in good shape.”
