- February 5, 2025
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With plans for new projects and developments, such as the 6,900 homes for the Latitude Margaritaville community, many residents are left questioning what the growth impact will have not only on traffic but on communities as a whole.
These frustrations were voiced during a Tuesday, June 26 public community forum, sponsored by The Daytona Beach News-Journal, titled “What Does ‘Smart Growth’ Look Like.”
One resident asked a group of panelists how projects like Margaritaville, which has threatened to increase traffic on Granada Boulevard, will impact the congestion throughout the area. One area of concern is the two-lane bridge running over the Tomoka River and how that will affect people trying to get to and from work.
John Albright, CEO of Consolidated-Tomoka Land Co., said in a previous discussion there was a question of who even owned the bridge. Albright said he would like to at least see a firm hired to design a bridge that would meet the needed capacity.
"When are we going to wake up? ... That bridge is not only very limited; it has environmental issues." Maryam Ghyabi, of Ghyabi Consulting and Management
"It's crazy that it's only two lanes," Albright said.
Maryam Ghyabi, of Ghyabi Consulting and Management, voiced a similar opinion stating that the bridge does not simply limit traffic flow but does not accommodate the surrounding developments. She added that there are more than just traffic concerns, however.
"When are we going to wake up?" Ghyabi asked, before adding, "that bridge is not only very limited; it has environmental issues."
Albright said he is concerned about future projects that would benefit the community but could not move forward due to the county not having the resources. He brought up Williamson Boulevard as an example, saying that he couldn't believe it is a two-lane road. Albright said it is impact fees that come into play where there's development.
Former Volusia County Councilwoman and environmentalist Pat Northey said that the county will need to look at impact fees but make sure that any changes work toward affordable housing.
"If you have affordable housing issues and you want to create affordable housing, then structure your impact fees so that you're not having to charge the same as you would to somebody who's moving into a $350,000 home," Northey said.
Ghyabi said she believes there will be a need for tax impact fees but with the condition that projects are clearly identified with regards to cost and projects plans.
Northey said when it comes to the sales tax, the county should follow the School Board by identifying projects, putting together a review committee and staying accountable to taxpayers. Ghyabi added that there needs to be transparency on each project while making sure funding is coming from the appropriate entities.
"The development needs to pay for some of it," Ghyabi said. "You can't have sales tax just pay for all of it, so that impact fee should be paying for some of it."
