- January 31, 2025
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Improvements to the exterior of the historic Macdonald House are coming.
The City Commission unanimously approved a work authorization for the exterior renovations on the east and west walls at its meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 1.
The $448,650 contract with A.M. Weigel Construction Inc., of Daytona Beach, is about half of the probable cost of the total exterior renovation project.
The item was pulled from the consent agenda by City Commissioner Dwight Selby, who asked for clarification as to what the project entailed.
City Engineer Shawn Finley said they are taking the project step by step, and will return to the commission with updates as the project goes along. The uncertainty lays in how much structural repair the walls need, Finley said.
“We didn’t want to get further ahead of ourselves that we were prepared to do,” Finley said.
City Manager Joyce Shanahan echoed similar sentiments as to why the restoration effort isn’t being done all at once.
“It was difficult to mobilize the entire building at one time,” she said.
The project is estimated to cost $890,000 for all four walls, with funding coming from the city’s general fund reserves, a $400,000 ECHO grant and a $100,000 contribution by the Ormond Beach Historical Society.
The City Commission unanimously approved a rezoning, development order and preliminary plat for the proposed 60-unit Ormond Grande project near the Ormond Lakes development.
The project, approved on first reading, is planned for 1255 N. U.S. 1. The land was rezoned to a Planned Residential Development, and 1.7 acres of wetlands are planned to be preserved.
Volusia County Council Chair Ed Kelley was recognized with a proclamation for his years of service both on the council and as a former Ormond Beach mayor.
The commissioners praised Kelley, who did not run for re-election, for his efforts in reopening beach ramps and uniting the 16 cities. Kelley will be succeeded by Jeff Brower.
"If I didn’t do anything else, I got the Volusia County Council to recognize the 16 cities of Volusia County," Kelley said. "We all are a part of Volusia County.”
Historic New Bethel AME church Rev. Floyd Narcisse commended the Police Department for its efforts in keeping the peace during the Wednesday rallies at the Granada Bridge.
“As an African American pastor in the city, we support police officers, and it’s good to be in a city that supports the people and that does the right thing for the right cause,” Narcisse said.
