- November 22, 2024
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Single-family homes or multifamily units?
That was the question before the Ormond Beach Planning Board regarding the future Ormond Crossings development at its meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 29. The developer seeks an amendment — to be ultimately voted on by the Ormond Beach City Commission at a later date — to allow single-family homes in place of multifamily units in a portion of the nearly 3,000 acre property, located south of U.S. 1.
And while questions remain surrounding what the development will look like, and what stormwater measures will be implemented to mitigate flooding concerns in the community, the choice between single-family homes and more apartments was clear for the board. The members unanimously recommended approval for the amendment, which is the first brought forward for the large-scale development, which has been in the works since 2002.
“I think the first one is pretty easy,” board member Mike Scudiero said. “If anyone wants more apartments, go to Williamson and head south. So this is a pretty easy call there. No increase in density, better quality product.”
Several residents who live near the future development spoke before the board at its meeting on existing flooding issues, and voiced concerns that the development of Ormond Crossings will worsen conditions.
“It floods even if you do not have a hurricane, very, very badly,” Ormond Beach resident Jordan Huntley said.
Resident Darrel Bugno said he’s lived in his home in Durrance Lane for over 25 years and has experienced water in front of his driveway over 3-and-a-half feet deep.
“It happened last year,” he said. “It happened this year. And what’s going to happen next year? If this goes in, the people who have houses out there are all going to flood out. Water came within 10 feet of my house.”
On behalf of Ormond Crossings’ developer, representative Jamie Poulos said that as the development moves forward in more detail, a master stormwater plan will be created, to be reviewed by the city, the county St. Johns River Water Management District and FEMA.
“We do appreciate everybody’s input in specific areas of concern that are existing, so as we continue to develop this master stormwater plan, we can study those areas a little closer, knowing that those are already trouble areas, and make sure that we’re not going to exacerbate or create any adverse impacts in those areas,” Poulos said.
Why the change from multifamily to single-family? Poulos said it’s because of the wetlands.
“We’re trying to minimize wetland impacts,” he said.
Board member GG Galloway said the flooding issues in the area go beyond the development of Ormond Crossings, and said it’s time SJRWMD and the Florida Department of Transportation assume responsibility for maintaining canals that overflow and creating runoff.
“I’m not worried about an apartment of 440 homes,” Galloway said. “I’m worried about six lanes of an interstate throwing water back onto that community ... We can say, ‘Yes, it’s developments’ problem,’ but no, the problem started way before this development started.”
In August, the city’s Site Plan Review Committee approved a preliminary site plan for the first phase of Ormond Crossings, consisting of 444 single-family homes.
This will not be last time to address water concerns for the development, Board Chair Doug Thomas told the public.
The amendment also included an updated conceptual master plan for Ormond Crossings, which proposed a realignment of Tymber Creek Road.
Meritage Homes is the contract purchaser for the single-family residential portion of the development.
The Ormond Beach Planning Board also unanimously recommended approval for a Land Development Code amendment that would allow Ormond Brewing to expand its operations into canned cocktails, spirits and non-malted based beverages, such as seltzers and ciders.
“The business has grown, and I think this is another way for them to increase their business and increase their use,” City Planning Director Steven Spraker said.
Tickets for The Casements’ Breakfast with Santa will go on sale on Friday, Nov. 1.
To take place from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Dec. 21, the breakfast will include pancakes, holiday activities and a chance to meet Santa. Tickets cost $5 per person and can only be purchased in person at The Casements, located at 25 Riverside Drive. Call 386-676-3216 for more information.
