- December 26, 2024
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Redevelopment continues to be in the city's focus as plans for a Chase Bank to replace the Shell gas station at the corner of Williamson Boulevard and West Granada Boulevard were submitted in mid-June.
The national banking company is the only one to submit a site plan so far for the parcel, located at 1520 W. Granada Boulevard and owned by David Morse, said Ormond Beach Planning Director Steven Spraker in an email. However, he said other concept plans showed a retail use and a drive-thru restaurant. Spraker said the property owner would determine when and if the project moves forward.
The parcel is currently zoned B-7, or Highway Tourist Commercial. A bank is a permitted use under that zoning. Others include a business and professional office, retail sales and services, as well as a convenience store.
With another bank opening in the Granada Pointe development and the recent acquisition of the First Green Bank at 175 W. Granada Blvd. by Seacoast Banking Corp, some city residents could feel Ormond Beach has enough banks.
"The comment of too many banks is understood, but the City’s Land Development Code provides the zoning framework for the types of allowed uses based on the zoning district and does not prohibit a certain number of the same uses," said Spraker.
CANDO 2 founder Julie Sipes said since it is a redevelopment project, she doesn't have a problem with the proposed plan.
"Better to use an already-developed area than clear-cut pristine land," Sipes said in an email.
Sipes added that the bank will also produce better jobs than a gas station or convenience store.
"We already have a lot of banks in the area, but we also have a plethora of gas stations, especially with the upcoming 120-pump gas station at nearby LPGA and I-95," Sipes said in an email. "I hope that all the gas tanks were successfully removed."
Spraker said this project gives the city an opportunity to demolish an older structure, provide an area for right-of-way improvements in the future along West Granada, have a new building to meet the city's architectural requirements and provide a landscaped area and other site improvements.
Also, residents should keep an eye on two other former gas stations sites in the city that could soon be redeveloped. Spraker said the parcel located at 1535 North U.S. 1 near I-95 has been identified for demolition and construction of a new Dunkin Donuts. There are only conceptual plans at this time.
The old gas station at 100 W. Granada Boulevard across from Hull's has a site plan submittal for demolition as well, with the hopes of the construction of a new barbecue restaurant.
