- April 18, 2024
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Months after the Ormond Beach City Commission approved the Granada Pointe development on Granada Boulevard, the issue resurfaced once again as many residents, including a former Ormond Beach city commissioner, became shocked after the land was cleared last week to begin development.
Granada Pointe includes land on both sides of Granada, extending out to Bennett Lane near Tomoka Avenue to the south and up by the historic Three Chimneys site to the north. Once completed, it will be home to a Wawa, a grocery store and retail. The project is being built by local developer Paul Holub.
Eight people spoke about the tree clearing at the meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 20. One of them was Jeff Boyle, a former Ormond Beach City Commissioner, who said that the deforestation of the city has become the commissioner's legacy.
“With obvious heavy hearts, we join thousands of Ormond residents who mourn the senseless devastation on West Granada." Boyle said. "None of us were prepared for the massive deforestation or to be told by this commission developer property rights required you to vote yes.”
He said Ormond's Tree City designation has become a joke and that environmental standards seem to be "turning the wrong way" with the current city commissioners. He added that the city trusts them to look after their quality of life.
“The tragedy on Granada violates that trust and our sense of place,” Boyle said.
Other residents also brought up that the land was rezoned to a planned business development after Holub purchased it. Some felt the city is waving zoning routinely and that it's harming the character of Ormond Beach.
“He has a right to do with his property what is allowed when he buys it, but if it’s zoned something, then a property owner absolutely needs to hold to that zoning," Ormond Beach resident Pam Novy said.
One speaker, who used to live in Holly Hill, said Ormond will now look like Orlando.
“I hope you go to sleep at night feeling sick about what you did because it’s irreplaceable," Alice Jaeger said.
When Holub began his remarks, a vast majority of the upset residents left the City Commission chambers. Ormond Beach Mayor Bill Partington would later say he felt that was unfortunate, as Holub adressed many of their concerns.
As for Holub, he continued speaking even as residents spoke amongst themselves while leaving the room.
“We have gone above and beyond with all the designs standards," Holub said. "If they would give us the opportunity to finish the project and then address it, that might be better.”
Partington, along with City Commissioner Troy Kent — whom many of the negative comments were directed at after he was quoted in a News-Journal story — spoke about the issue at the end of the night during their final remarks.
Kent said he stands by every vote he's made over the last 15 years and that he still believes in property owner's rights.
“When I grew up, there were horses where the Lowes is today, but it’s Granada Boulevard," Kent said. "On Granada Boulevard you’re going to have businesses and restaurants and doctor’s offices and funeral homes.”
Partington said whether or not it had remained zoned for an office or rezoned to what it is today, the clearing would have happened the same way. He listed benefits of the property being developed by Holub, which include the designation of eight parking spaces to the historic Three Chimney's site and Holub's $10,000 donation to the Historical Society in order to build a walkway to Three Chimneys.
“This commission historically has not just approved development," Partington said. "We have made sure that there are public benefits that are received in exchange for that approval.”
