- April 26, 2024
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Dear Editor:
On Thursday, July 13, the Ormond Beach Planning Board will be hearing the application to develop the Tomoka Oaks golf course property. The hearing is expected to draw a large crowd of residents who oppose the development of 276 homes on this green, open space treasure. To accommodate the expected crowds, the hearing will occur at Calvary Christian Center, 1687 W. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach (located west of I-95). Calvary has a large campus, so city staff will be in the parking lot directing residents to the building where the hearing will be held.
I encourage anyone who opposes this residential development to attend the hearing to let our Planning Board know we do not want this development. You do not need to be a Tomoka Oaks resident to attend. And anyone wishing to speak can address the Planning Board for 3 minutes.
The developer is presenting this development as if it were doing the city of Ormond Beach a favor. First, they proposed 299 single-family lots. After getting pushback from residents during the neighborhood meeting in February, the developer reduced the site plan to 276 lots. And we are supposed to view that as a significant concession on their part? I don't think so.
The proposed development will be entirely surrounded by the established Tomoka Oaks subdivision. Our residents are concerned about critical issues such as traffic safety, quality of life, diminished property values, and loss of our established landmark character.
Many residents of The Trails, Escondido, and Talaquah are also expressing strong disapproval of this proposed development which is projected to add 2,774 additional daily car trips to our already busy, congested roadways. A traffic signal will be required by FDOT at Nova and Tomoka Oaks Blvd to handle this additional traffic. Morning peak hours will see even more delays as residents wait to turn onto Nova. And evening traffic returning to Tomoka Oaks, Escondido, Talaquah, and The Trails will be even heavier. Plus, has the impact on Tomoka Oaks North Condos been factored into this traffic equation? Not that I have seen. And how far will traffic stack up when Nova is closed while trains cross Nova throughout the day?
Please plan to attend the hearing on July 13 to show your opposition. Thank you.
Carolyn Davis
Ormond Beach
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