- April 26, 2024
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“Imagine walking out your front door and seeing a commercial building across the street.”
Pam Skilling, Magnolia Avenue resident
Several residents of Magnolia Avenue, concerned about a future development on West Granada Boulevard, turned out to express their opinions at the Nov. 17 City Commission meeting, but not all got to speak.
Audience members who want to speak must fill out a comment card and give it to the city clerk before the meeting starts, but only four of the group filled out cards.
During the comment period, when several audience members realized they were not able to speak, they started to protest from their seats.
Mayor Ed Kelley apologized as he explained the policy to the disappointed residents.
But one man said, “This is bull___,” as he walked out of the chambers.
“No, it’s procedure,” Kelley responded. He pointed out that four people knew cards had to be filled out.
“It’s the orderly way to get things done,” he said.
There is a sign on a table in the lobby saying those who wish to speak must fill out a card, and a greeter asks visitors as they enter if they want to speak. Some audience members said they were not told anything when they came in.
Kelley said there will more opportunities for residents to speak. There will be a second vote on the land use change, and, if approved, zoning changes. Finally, there will be neighborhood meetings.
About 15 to 20 people walked out after being told there would be no more speakers on the subject.
The item before the commission was a land use change for the wooded lot at the corner of Magnolia Avenue and West Granada Boulevard.
The land owner, Realtor Bill Navarra, is seeking a change from “low density residential” to “residential, office, retail” which would allow him to build a commercial building on the property. He has said he wants to construct his business headquarters in that location.
The fear for the residents is that the development will have an exit on their street, add to traffic and change the character of their neighborhood.
“The lot goes deep into our community,” said Pam Skilling, a Magnolia Avenue resident. “Imagine walking out your front door and seeing a commercial building across the street, along with more vehicles, noise pollution.”
She also mentioned that the street is five feet narrower than a regular street. Also, residents say it’s already difficult to get out onto Granada during rush hour.
Skilling said children ride their bikes home from Tomoka Elementary School and commercial traffic would be dangerous.
Mayor Kelley said to eliminate that problem, city staff is already working on designing on a bike path through neighborhoods for the students.
The commission approved the land use change unanimously with James Stowers absent.
The developer will know if an exit is necessary on Magnolia Boulevard when a site plan is submitted. At that time, the city and developer are required to meet with residents to resolve any issues.
Goss said there have been contentious neighborhood meetings in the past, but they have always been able to resolve the issues with residents.
City Commissioner Bill Partington tried to reassure the residents that the land use decision is not the final decisions. He said he has seen site plans denied by the City Commission after a land use change was approved.
