Issues/Articles

Upcoming CANDO Meetings to Focus on Candidates and City Issues
8/6/10

CANDO will continue meeting on the third Thursday of the month through November at the Ormond Beach Union Church, 56 North Beach Street. No meeting is scheduled for December.

▪The August 19th meeting will discuss membership recruitment, ideas for informational articles for the website, and the August 24th bond issue referendum for a beachfront park.

▪September 16th will be an opportunity to meet and hear candidates for the City Commission. So far, six of the seven candidates have accepted the written invitation from Chairman Bill Thompson.

▪October 21st will feature City Economic Development Director Joe Mannarino who will make a presentation on the Ormond Crossings project and answer questions.

▪November 18th will recap the year’s activities, explore ideas for 2011, and celebrate the return of the holiday season. Citizens and Neighbors Devoted to Ormond are very thankful to live in such a great community and for the opportunity to make a difference in maintaining the quality of life in Ormond Beach.

Chairman Thompson has accepted an invitation from Big John to be a guest on the WELE 1380 AM Big Talk radio program in early September, day and time to be announced, to discuss CANDO’s history, present, and future.

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Overview of the Ormond Beachfront Park Project
by Norman Lane, 7/5/10

We all love the beach; it is one of the things that makes Ormond such a great place to live. But over time, access to the beach has become more difficult because of soft sand, development, and County control of approaches. CANDO believes that everyone should have free, safe, and convenient access to the beach, not just those who stay in condos or hotels or are wealthy enough to own a home there.

The CANDO beach park committee has been researching ways to provide park(s) on the beach to provide this access. But until recently, land prices have been prohibitive. The silver lining of the real estate crash is that land along the beach is now available at prices not seen in many years.

Over the past year a group of City residents including CANDO members has worked with the City and the Trust for Public Land (TPL) to obtain land suitable for a park. The old Surfside Inn, damaged in the hurricanes and caught up in the bankruptcy of Bray and Gillespie, was identified as an excellent prospect due to its central location, ample size, and the desire to rid the City of the decaying hotel eyesore. Once the ownership of the land was transferred to Park Bank, it became possible to attempt to purchase it.

By law, the City cannot pay more than a very small percentage over the value of the property as determined by at least two State approved appraisers. An offer was made based on appraised value, but the bank turned it down. The alternate property, located next to Milsap Avenue approach, is substantially larger (approximately four acres), making it possible to consider including some dune restoration and natural plantings in addition to the basic parking function. That property was also appraised, and the landowner accepted an offer with contingencies regarding passage of funding by the City.

TPL is a valuable partner to the City in the process. One thing that makes it difficult for the City to purchase property on the open market is that any discussion of the deal must be made public. This puts them at a disadvantage in negotiating with the property owner. TPL can act as a bridge, offering the landowner a single entity to negotiate with and to collect their money from, rather than multiple government entities on different timetables. TPL puts up the money and collects it later from the involved parties. Also, TPL can actively campaign to pass the referendum, which the City is prohibited from doing.

In order to gauge the support that the people of Ormond Beach would have for funding the cost of purchasing the property, a scientific poll of the population was designed and run, utilizing a nationally known polling organization. The sample of the population was chosen to be representative of those who would be most likely to vote in the election and was as large as it would have been if they were going to test a ballot question for the entire County. The actual text that would appear on the ballot was used in the poll to test peoples' reactions. The results of the poll showed very strong support for a bond that would add approximately $20 to the annual tax bill for the average homeowner for 20 years. The support was widespread across the demographic and was even stronger when the same question was asked at the end of the poll after those polled had learned a little more about the project.

The $20 value was based on an estimated amount needed to purchase the land and build the park without help from the County since they had not committed at that point. It was then up the City Commission to decide whether to commit to funding it, refuse it, or leave it up to the voters in the form of a bond referendum. They voted four to one for the referendum with Mayor Costello voting against it because he was ready to commit without a referendum. More details about the poll and the background leading to the City Commission's decision are available from he meeting agenda packet at http://fl-ormondbeach.civicplus.com/.

The County Council voted on May 20 to provide up to $3.5 million toward the beach park. They recognized Ormond's need for a park and that we were the only coastal City in the County without a park funded at least in part by the County.

In order to encourage voters to go to the polls, a political action committee (PAC) has been formed in partnership with The Conservation Campaign (TCC), which is the political arm of TPL. This arrangement gives them access to the resources of TCC, including their bulk mailing permit, attorney, and expertise. A mostly grass-roots campaign is planned with people urging their friends to go to the polls. Carefully directed mail and a web site will also be utilized to reach out to a wider audience.

Anyone wishing to contribute to the campaign is encouraged to send a check to: Ormond Beachfront, a Project of The Conservation Campaign, P.O. Box 4102, Ormond Beach, Florida, 32175. Please be sure your full name and address are included and, if your contribution is greater than $100, you must include your occupation and name of your employer. Contributions are not tax deductible.

Note: Norman is a CANDO member and a member of the Ormond Beach Beachfront Park Committee

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Beachfront Park Referendum, Pro and Con, 7/2/10

On August 24 Ormond Beach voters will decide if a $5 million bond issue is approved for a beachfront park at the south end of the City. The Trust for Public Land (TPL) has already negotiated a contract for purchase and will manage a campaign in support of the referendum. County government has voted to commit up to $3.5 million to partner with the City on the project. CANDO has strongly advocated beachfront access since 2006 but will leave it to the voters to decide if this is the best option to provide that access. "Let the people vote."

Reasons to Vote "Yes"

The lack of beachfront parking is the City's most glaring deficiency. Ormond Beach is the only coastal city in Volusia County without a park with vehicular access. Currently, beach access primarily is a privilege reserved for nearby property owners or those who temporarily rent lodging on or near the beach. There are only a few public parking places at the beach approaches, and recently 36 spaces were provided in a new lot on the west side of A1A and Rockefeller. Each homeowner will pay an average of an additional $20 per year in property taxes to get the park. Beachfront property values may never be cheaper, so the current market offers a rare opportunity for public acquisition. County government has already voted to fund half the cost. Soft sand has progressively eliminated most of the vehicular access to the portions of the City beaches where cars are allowed. In the current local economic and political climate, this may be the last chance for Ormond Beach to get a beachfront park.

Reasons to Vote "No"

The vacant land is currently assessed at $2.7 million, but local media have reported a contract price of $5.6 million that has taxpayers asking if they will be overpaying. Many believe that previous taxes paid are already in place to buy the land and build the park. The last audit reported $24 million in "unrestricted" funds, including $8 million in the general fund. Ormond Beach City government has provided zero dollars for beach access, and no other city has needed a voter referendum to partner with the County on beachfront parks already built. This park would be located at the southernmost beach in the City where it would serve more people from Daytona Beach than from Ormond Beach. An attempt to purchase a more centrally located parcel was rejected. Borrowing the City's share of the cost through bonds with 20 years of interest means that almost two taxpayer dollars will be required for every dollar spent on the park.

There is a fear that, if the bond referendum fails, elected officials present and future will take the position that Ormond residents do not really want a beachfront park.

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Ormond City Commission Races Set, 6/30/10

Qualifying ended with two unopposed commissioners automatically re-elected at noon on June 18. Troy Kent in Zone 2 and Bill Partington in Zone 4 were unopposed. Both were first elected to the city commission in 2003. Two other commissioners have vacated Commission seats to run for the office of Mayor: Lori Gillooly was elected Zone 1 Commissioner in 2005, and Ed Kelley has represented Zone 3 since 2005 and previously from 1994 through 1997. The Zone 3 race will now see Attorney Rick Boehm, former Recreation Advisory Board and Pop Warner Chair, square off against Michael Scudiero, former producer for the Marc Bernier radio talk show and also legislative aide to State Representative Pat Patterson. Three candidates have qualified for the Zone 1 race: Former city leisure services director Alan Burton, Attorney James Stowers of the law firm Cobb and Cole, and Greg Scull from Ormond Lakes. This seat will be decided by plurality, highest vote total wins, and there will not be a runoff election. All three contested seats will be decided on Election Day, November 2.

See summary list of local mayoral and Commission candidates on our home page.

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"Hometown Democracy" Amendment 4, Pro and Con, 6/8/10

A statewide referendum this fall will allow Florida voters to decide if they want a constitutional amendment that would require voter approval of any changes in land use codes proposed by local governments. Earlier this year, CANDO hosted brief presentations by Greg Gimbert in support of the proposed amendment and by Jim Cameron, representing the Daytona Beach Chamber of Commerce, in opposition to the amendment.

Those supporting the amendment believe that voter approval should be required for proposed zoning changes that invariably increase density and facilitate growth. Amendment 4 proponents reference examples of runaway growth that negatively impacted Florida governments, roads, schools, and taxes, leaving our communities overcrowded and with diminished quality of life. The "Hometown Democracy" folks believe that elected officials cannot be trusted with land use changes that nullify long-term planning for short-term benefits, and that the current decision process has failed to deliver a robust economy. Amendment 4 supporters reject the idea that land use changes should be bartered as incentives for businesses.

Opponents of Amendment 4 believe that our government model requires trust in elected officials who take oaths to do what is best for their communities. That is why we elect qualified office holders to represent us and to make land use decisions based on public evidence and the counsel of appointed government advisors. Voters are seen as unqualified in their ability to have access to all the facts and testimony that impact land-use decisions. Amendment 4 opponents believe that the existing process respects property rights and the need for communities to grow while protecting jobs and creating new job opportunities. This argument predicts a chilling effect on the appeal for businesses to remain in Florida or to relocate here, and a loss of jobs, if Amendment 4 passes.

Let the people vote!

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Ormond Beach Voters to Decide Off-Beach Parking Referendum, 5/21/10

At its May 18th meeting, the City Commission approved the following ballot language for a public referendum on August 24th:

"For the purposes of acquiring, creating, and preserving a new beachfront park on the east side of A1A/Atlantic Avenue in the City to protect natural areas, restore natural dunes, preserve ocean views, and provide off-beach parking and public access, shall the city issue general obligation bonds at rates not exceeding the maximum lawful rate, within twenty years, not exceeding $5,000,000 payable from ad valorem taxes?” “Yes” or “No”?

The city may provide information for voter education but is prohibited by Florida law from advocating a position on the ballot issue. CANDO has advocated a beachfront park in Ormond Beach since 2006 but supports the right of Ormond Beach voters to decide if the ballot question provides the best way to achieve that goal.

Related Article(s): Ormond Beach to Schedule Bond Referendum for Beachfront Park | CANDO Supports Beachfront Park in Ormond Beach

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Ormond Beach to Schedule Bond Referendum for Beachfront Park
5/5/10

Ormond Beach city government discussed the idea of buying beachfront land for a public park at its regular public meeting on Tuesday, May 4.

The city commission voted 4-1 to schedule a public referendum on August 24 which will ask voters to tax themselves to pay for a bond for the beachfront park. The Trust for Public Land already has an appraisal and a contract with the landowner, but those figures cannot be disclosed until the city receives two more appraisals for the four-acre parcel across from the Olive Garden restaurant.

Mayor Costello and Commissioner Kent were ready to move forward on the purchase without a referendum based on a 63% approval in a recent telephone survey of Ormond Beach citizens. Commissioners Kelley, Gillooly, and Partington supported land acquisition for a beachfront park but thought a public referendum a better way to go. The mayor was the lone vote against the referendum decision reasoning that he did not think that step was necessary.

CANDO members turned out in great strength, and many, including Chairman Bill Thompson and former Chairpersons Laura Jones and Norman Lane, were among the 19 speakers in favor of a park for beach access. Four citizens spoke in opposition including Fax Pax Chairman Gregory Avakian who required nearly 50 minutes for his presentation.

Any land purchase requiring city funds is contingent on a partnership with county government that would provide significant county funds. Elected county officials have already signaled a willingness to enter such a partnership.

Proponents verified that Ormond Beach is the only government entity on the Volusia Coast without a beachfront park and gave testimony to a growing and critical need for beach access.

Opponents argued against the high cost of the concept, the lost revenue from taking valuable land off the tax rolls, and the lack of specificity on large numbers such as the annual maintenance costs the city must underwrite on any park that is built.

This debate will continue until the referendum election on August 24. Let the people vote!

NOTE: To find out more about this issue, visit the City's web site at fl-ormondbeach.civicplus.com, and click on "Beach access/beach parking" under item #10 near the bottom of the page.

Related Article(s): CANDO Supports Beachfront Park in Ormond Beach | Ormond Beach Voters to Decide Off-Beach Parking Referendum

See Also: News Journal, Voters to Decide on Oceanfront Land Buy by Ray Weiss

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Hand Avenue Extension, Pro and Con
5/4/10

For more than a decade, the Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce and a number of elected members of the city commission have called for the extension of Hand Avenue. This road, on the city's southern boundary with Daytona Beach, would be extended past its current termination at Williamson Boulevard, over I-95 and the Tomoka River, swinging north to a connection with State Road 40 at Tymber Creek Road. In 1998 the city commission rejected the concept for recommendation to the County Metropolitan Planning Organization on a 3-2 vote. The current city commission has unanimously endorsed the concept. Mayor Costello has stated that the new road would provide traffic relief for Granada Boulevard, an artery that is already near service capacity. The new road would create growth opportunities for the undeveloped lands west of I-95. Opponents of the project point to costs in the tens of millions of dollars to construct bridges over both a multi-lane interstate highway and an environmentally protected river.

Limitations on federal, state, county, and city funds will keep the project on the shelf in the near future. In the meantime, the debate continues over whether benefits from extending Hand Avenue are worth the costs and whether such growth will pay for itself.

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CANDO Supports Beachfront Park in Ormond Beach
4/29/10

Ormond Beach is the only eastside Florida city without public beachfront parking. This need was a point of public discussion during the 2006 voter referendum on building heights and is more glaring today as soft-sand issues increasingly preclude parking on the beach in our city.

In 2007, Volusia County government purchased a small land parcel at the northwest corner of Rockefeller Drive and A1A for parking for beachgoers, and construction was completed several months ago. But this lot still requires people to cross busy A1A without the benefit of a traffic light.

In 2009, CANDO officers Norman Lane and Charles Wilkes began working with Ormond Beach officials to explore possibilities for public acquisition of beachfront land. This led to a city contract with the Trust for Public Land, a national nonprofit organization, to poll our citizens to determine interest and potential support for a bond to pay for the land.

The City Commission will discuss the survey results and options for future action at the May 4 meeting. The conclusion by the polling company was that a “solid majority” of residents would support funding a new beachfront park with a bond of up to $5 million. Potential impact on property taxes would be $25 to $50 over 20 years for the average home. (Source: April 29 News-Journal)

Funding help might also be available from County government and from grants from state agencies and our local Race and Recreation Commission.

Mayor Costello has stated: “Oceanfront land will never be cheaper to buy” than it is right now in the current economic climate. So far, the owner of the land and the damaged hotel at 251 S. Atlantic has rejected all offers, but the cleared property at the south end of the city (near the Daytona Beach line) is controlled by a willing seller.

CANDO urges citizens to attend City Commission meetings and to support all efforts to address our urgent needs in accessing our beautiful Ormond beach.

Related Article(s): Ormond Beach to Schedule Referendum for Beachfront Park | Ormond Beach Voters to Decide Off-Beach Parking Referendum

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Ormond Crossings
by Don Dewar, 4/15/10

When you drive north on U.S. Highway 1 past Nova Road, Tomoka River, Airport Road, Hawaiian Tropic, and just beyond Hull Point on the left-hand side of U.S. 1, there is a large expanse of vacant land. This was to have been the new home of a local beer distributor until there were complications. Now it is for sale to the general public. This vacant land represents 13.5 acres of available commercial property. Just beyond this property is a stand of pine trees. These trees represent twelve years of natural growth since the destructive fires of 1998. From this point on, between U.S. 1 and the Florida East Coast Railroad tracks, all the way to Interstate 95 and acreage on the other side of I-95 is the potential Ormond Crossings.

Over the past twelve years the City of Ormond Beach has been working with many organizations to annex and develop 3,000 acres of land. These organizations include Florida East Coast Railway, Florida Department of Transportation, Volusia and Flagler Counties, and the landowner, Tomoka Holdings, LLC.

The Ormond Crossings are envisioned to include warehousing, industrial, retail, distribution, and office facilities. Presentations by the City have indicated over 11,000 new jobs (a very timely subject) and $63 million in revenues to the City (another timely subject).

When this project was conceived in 1998, the financial conditions were much different than they are today. Needless to say, the requirements for a large, multi-use commercial facility linking it with the expansion of 2,600 residential units in the City of Ormond Beach is untimely at least if not financially very risky.

Before a bulldozer, front loader, or massive shredder starts this project, let's make sure Ormond Crossings remains a viable venture. Let's not have another development left bereft of vegetation and wildlife destroyed.

Related Article(s): Ormond Crossings a Boost? | Ormond Crossings Passes Final Hurdle

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Ormond Crossings a Boost?
4/18/10

An anonymous rant in the "Rants and Raves" section of the March 26th issue of Hometown News called for the signatures of residents opposed to Ormond Crossings. Below the rant was a response from City Manager Joyce Shanahan in which she defended the undertaking as a major boost to Ormond Beach. Long in planning, the development of 3,000 acres along U.S. Highway 1 and I-95 is expected to earn the City $63 million over the next 25 years, she maintains. Other benefits will include "significant transportation improvements" involving "multimodal transit strategies." All costs will be borne by the developers and future residents of the Crossings, not by those living outside it. If so, the scheme will succeed in breaking with a national pattern of tax hikes needed to maintain and service such developments.

Two aspects of this win-win projection deserve closer scrutiny: traffic and noise. Already congested during rush hours and partially blocked during bike weeks, will Highway 1 be able to handle additional use by residents of Ormond Grande, trucks entering and leaving a distributorship opposite Ormond Lakes, and shoppers frequenting adjacent malls? Will completion of a boulevard parallel to I-95 and a Hand Avenue Interchange with it indeed succeed in shunting east-west traffic away from Highway 1? Or will it simply pack up Nova and Ridgewood and force more traffic onto it? And who will want to live in the 3,000 homes nestled close to two of Florida's major thoroughfares? Certainly no one annoyed in addition by noise from the Harleys of Destination Daytona and from an ever-increasing number of low-flying planes using Ormond Beach airport.

NOTE: To view the entire text of the rant ("Ormond Crossings Bad for City") referred to above and City Manager Shanahan's response, visit www.myhometownnews.net/index. The views expressed in the original rant are not necessarily the views of CANDO.

Related Article(s): Ormond Crossings | Ormond Crossings Passes Final Hurdle

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Ormond Crossings Passes Final Hurdle
2/18/10

Another informative article written by Wayne Grant about Ormond Crossings appeared in the February 18 edition of Hometown News: www.myhometownnews.net.

Related Article(s): Ormond Crossings | Ormond Crossings a Boost?