- May 6, 2024
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Ormond MainStreet is asking the city to allow overnight docking at Cassen Park for a six-month period.
Jerry Janaro, chairman of Ormond MainStreet’s Cassen Park City Docks Committee, came before the commissioners on Tuesday, Feb. 6, to present a proposal he said would “breathe new life into our city docks.”
“Back in 2020, when the docks were completed, operating hours were aligned with those of other city parks, inadvertently limiting their use,” Janaro said. “We believe this decision has significantly hampered the potential of our docks as a haven for visiting boaters along the Intercoastal Waterway.”
City ordinances do not currently allow overnight docking, but the City Commission is interested in considering Ormond MainStreet’s proposal. An item will be scheduled for review on March 19.
“I personally believe that the docking trial is a worthwhile thing to think about,” City Commissioner Lori Tolland said.
City Commissioner Susan Persis said her only question revolved around who would be in charge of monitoring the boats overnight and the safety risks.
“Those are two things that just came to my mind right away, but I think it’s a great idea,” Persis said.
Janaro said Ormond MainStreet’s proposition is not unprecedented, as there are 70 free docks in towns spanning the east coast of the U.S., from North Carolina to the Florida Keys. To address safety concerns, they also proposed a temporary suspension of the park closure ordinance for those six months, during which polie can report any issues that may arise.
“Beyond snowbird boaters, our local boaters from Volusia and Flagler Counties present a year-round market for dock users,” Janaro said. “... By allowing overnight docking, we can encourage them to enjoy our downtown in the evening, filling our local restaurants during dinner hours, particularly during those months when every dollar counts for businesses.”
The Ormond Beach City Commission will review a rezoning request for the 147.94-acre former Tomoka Oaks golf course property at its meeting on Tuesday, March 5.
The meeting will be held at Calvary Christian Church, located at 1687 W Granada Blvd., at 6 p.m.
Developers Carl Velie, Ray Barshay, Sheldon Rubin and Emily Rubin are pursuing a rezoning for the property from a Planned Residential Development to R-2 “Single-family low density.”
The rezoning request is arriving to the commission with a unanimous recommendation of denial by both the Planning Board and city staff.
Last October, the City Commission got a glimpse of what a redesigned Cassen Park will look like. How far along is the project now?
According to Public Works Director Shawn Finley, engineering said the engineering plans are at 60% completion.
The Casements will close from Feb. 13-25 to undergo floor repairs.
The repairs started on Feb. 2, according to a newsletter, and may extend to Feb. 26.
The city of Ormond Beach is inviting the community to view the recently renovated Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center during an open house on Sunday, Feb. 18.
The event, to run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., will feature live entertainment, guided tours through the PAC, giveaways and more, according to a city Facebook post.
The renovation of the PAC cost $1.7 million, funded in part by Volusia County ECHO dollars. The project — which rebuilt the PAC’s lobby, added a new art installation, new theater seating and updated the building’s exterior — began in 2022 and was completed by Bomar Construction, Inc., of Ormond Beach.
The City Commission approved an agreement with The Grind Gastropub to provide concession services at the Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center.
The Grind will sell snacks, hot and cold beverages, and provide beer and wine concessions, according to a consent agenda item.
