Ormond Beach City Commission OKs retro barbecue restaurant for downtown

Ormond Beach Observer
News

More redevelopment is coming to Ormond Beach's downtown, as the City Commission unanimously approved a development order on first reading at its meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 19, for a new retro-style barbecue restaurant to replace the blighted site at 100 W. Granada Blvd.

Split vote over allowing outdoor storage

The City Commission was torn on whether to allow hippie tie-dye goods store Woodstock South to have permanent outdoor storage for its merchandise and permission for outdoor entertainment, resulting in a 3-2 negative vote.

The owners of Woodstock South are no strangers to split votes — the Planning Board had also been divided on both issues at its meeting on Aug. 9. Both of their requests needed a special exemption, which the city had recommended be approved.

The majority of the City Commissioners felt otherwise.

City Commissioner Troy Kent said there is a reason why the city has rules on outdoor storage. He disclosed he had met with the owner of nearby Ormond Inn, who had said her guests were disturbed by the live music the store had held previously.

“I can’t believe that staff has given approval for this," Kent said. "This is not what I believe our residents in Ormond Beach want to see.”

He also worried about the "precendence" approving this could set for other businesses. City Commissioners Dwight Selby and Rick Boehm also voted against the item.

On the other side of the argument were Ormond Beach Mayor Bill Partington and Rob Littleton. Partington said he was someone who likes to see "the little guy" succeed and that he supported the measure.

“At least give them a chance to succeed and hopefully thrive and flourish," Partington said.

The existing gas station building will be demolished by local developer Bill Jones to construct The Pumphouse. The restaurant's style will pay homage to the parcel's previous use, as it will be reminiscent of an art deco gas station. City Commissioner Dwight Selby said he was glad the site was being redeveloped and that he didn't realize a decade had passed since there was a gas station there.

“The building is gorgeous," Selby said. "I hope it’s incredibly successful.”

The project previously gained unanimous approval by the city's planning board, despite its limited parking of two spaces onsite. Planning Director Steven Spraker said that the city understands the parking concerns, and is working with School Board staff to negotiate the hours of operation that the adjacent Ormond Beach Elementary school parking lot can be utilized for non-school purposes. Currently, the lot has a sign allowing for parking on Mondays-Fridays after 5 p.m., and on weekends.

“First and foremost, that would always be a school lot," Spraker said. "They have priority.”

City Commissioner Troy Kent said he wasn't on board with opening the school lot for the public during school hours, citing student safety.

“They’ve got things locked up for a reason in today’s age," Kent said.

He would be willing, however, to consider opening it earlier than 5 p.m. Spraker said the city's Downtown Master Plan will be updated in 2019, and parking is one of the issues the city will address.

City Commissioner Rob Littleton said this project would further the city's initiative to create a walkable downtown.

“This is the definition of smart growth," Littleton said.