- April 18, 2024
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Dear Editor:
At the June 1 City Commission meeting, Rob Littleton explained he had pulled the airport runway agenda item for public discussion only because he “did not want it to seem this item was being railroaded through.”
Sounds like he believes public hearings are only for show, with citizen voices tolerated only to keep up appearances. His blatant public admission is the latest evidence of the commission’s condescending disrespect for the people they purport to represent. And the runway extension is being “railroaded through,” with little public knowledge or input.
Lori Bennett
Ormond Beach
Editor's note: Commissioner Rob Littleton was given a chance to respond.
Rob Littleton: The author’s use of “only” indicates either a hearing problem or an intent to mislead the Observer’s readers. As all my comments demonstrated, I conscientiously pulled the agenda item to also have citizens, both pro and con, speak about the airport. Then, staff could promptly address questions and online rumors.
Dear Editor:
When citizens packed a 2004 city commission meeting to oppose a north-south runway extension, they were told they should have expected noise when they made their home near an airport. But that airport is a small flight training and recreational airport, not a runway-expanded airport accommodating larger numbers of jets and turboprops. The expansion can’t be justified.
Mike McLarnan
Ormond Beach
Dear Editor:
On June 10, I emailed the mayor and commissioners endorsing a six-month delay in the demolition of the historic Union Church at 56 N. Beach Street first proposed by Ormond MainStreet over two months ago. I presented my thoughts which included the following reasons in support of a pause: Why the rush to demolish?
Since community focus on the church issue was overshadowed by the pandemic, primary interest was self-preservation in many respects. Now, our community is in a better position to address the issue.
A fundamental issue is what is best for our community: Is it better to raze the church for a parking lot to enhance developer and business interests at the expense of sacrificing some of our history? This linkage is certainly evidenced by the adjacent Anderson-Price Building, the nearby Bailey Riverbridge Gardens (which contains the historic Pilgrims Rest Primitive Baptist Church), the Casements, and the MacDonald House. There must be a balance between reasonable development and the preservation of our history. History and culture-oriented people will attest to the enhancement of quality of life issues, which also have great economic value. One letter writer in last week's Observer made the point that many churches in our country are repurposed for other uses.
With the church situated in a choice location next to the Halifax River, is it prudent to undervalue the use of this location with a parking lot? While it appears that additional parking will be more desirable in the future, the issue seems to be moreso location. When additional parking becomes necessary, options to consider are exploring potential use of the properties west of the church and even converting the city-owned Lincoln Avenue Park into a parking lot.
Has the best use of the church and/or property been evaluated by an independent urban planner entity, free of any governmental, development, or political pressure? Have the repair costs for the church been developed independent of any direct or indirect governmental, development, or political influence? Is the report available for the community to see?
The suggestion by a letter writer in last week's Observer for a citizen-based committee with appropriate representatives has great merit. One can easily recall the
indomitable group that was formed to preserve the Casements which is such a quintessential part of the quality of life in our community.
I continue to await a requested prompt response.
Jerry Valcik
Ormond Beach
Dear Editor:
As I think about the campaign of citizens to delay the destruction of the midcentury modern building At 56 N. Beach Street, I am in awe of those who have told me story after story of what that building meant to them — from piano recitals and weddings to memorial services for loved ones. Maybe nostalgia alone is not a good reason to save a historical building, but there are many reasons to save this particular building. As moderator and co-founder with Bill Denny of Common Ground, our role is to help citizens delay its destruction so that all who have lived in and contributed to this community have a say in its future.
Some want to save it because it’s a house of worship. Some, like myself, because of its sheer beauty; environmentalists because of the waste of materials and natural resources, not only to destroy it, but to build a new building, leaving an even greater carbon footprint. Many want to save it because of its elegant midcentury modern architecture, and as a historical site. Common Ground is asking for a delay from three commissioners who voted in their own good consciousness to let it go forever, but, if it is not what the taxpayers/citizens want, then what are the good intentions worth?
Let all the dream weavers, builders and designers come together and find a common solution. The city, to their credit, has already begun to remove dangerous materials and begun fumigation, required prior to demolition. Rodent abatement will be complete on July 2, at which time the application for demolition may be submitted to the building department, according to City Manager Joyce Shanahan.
Common Ground is asking for a delay in issuing the demolition permit. Is that too much to ask at this point, to delay the actual destruction of the heritage of the residents of Ormond Beach? We are asking, at the very least, that this be placed on the agenda at the next City Commission meeting. I believe now that the 3 commissioners, who in all honesty to their duty felt it was best to use the space for a temporary parking lol to make way for a new building, may reconsider what their constituents would like.
Please contact your commissioners and mayor to ask for a delay of demolition.
Linda Williams
Ormond Beach
