Who We Are ~ The Height-Limit Story

Ormond Beach has had a building height limit of 75 feet since the 1980's; but over the years exemptions have been granted, and the definition of building height has been interpreted to allow a number of tall buildings. In order to prevent further erosion of the beauty of the city and for a variety of other reasons, City Commissioner Jeff Boyle in August of 2005 proposed an amendment that would put a clear height limit into the city charter. But the proposal was rejected by the Commission.

So, on February 16, 2006 CANDO was formed to put a similar amendment on the ballot by means of a citizen petition drive. Officers were elected: Jeff Boyle, Chairman; Laura Jones, Co-Chair; Terry Campbell, Treasurer; Adriane Miles, Secretary. By the end of the month, a draft of the petition was certified by the city clerk, the petitions were printed, and the drive was under way. Mayor Costello proposed an alternate charter amendment that would allow numerous height-limit exceptions, but it was rejected by the Commission.

On April 7, 3905 signed petitions were delivered to Elections Supervisor Ann McFall for validation; 2814 valid petitions would be required for a ballot referendum.

On April 17, developer Bray and Gillespie presented a proposal for a high-rise redevelopment on the beachside that would require various exemptions or changes to the zoning rules. The following day, CANDO formally requested a date for a referendum. A few days later, the election supervisor certified 3400 valid petitions.

There followed a series of legal actions by the city designed to delay or avoid the referendum. At the same time the mayor and Commission were actively promoting Bray and Gillespie's proposal. Charles Carter, a CANDO member, then successfully filed suit to force the city to put the amendment on the ballot for the upcoming election.

The last legal hurdle seemed to be crossed, and now CANDO took up the task of winning the election.

A get-out-the-vote campaign was waged using door-to-door canvassing, yard signs, bumper stickers, and radio spots. Two "angels" who wanted to preserve Ormond Beach's beachfront character stepped forward to finance full-page newspaper advertisements. "Let the People Vote" became the campaign slogan.

The opposition also got busy. Developer Bray and Gillespie invested heavily, with paid canvassers, direct mail, yard signs, and incessant radio advertisements. The City Commission sent a mailing to all city residents advising them to vote against the proposal, and another to residents of high-rises claiming that passage of the amendment would jeopardize their insurance. The local newspaper opposed the amendment in its editorials.

The issue generated a huge amount of voter interest. The newspapers and radio talk shows were full of people expressing their opinions, and at the polls, there was a record turnout for an off-year election. The measure to amend the city charter passed overwhelmingly.