- April 22, 2024
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Modern-day discussions on downtown redevelopment, smart growth and new buildings in old neighborhoods came to Ormond Beach recently as a developer seeks to build multifamily housing on New Britain Avenue, the street that runs behind the shops and restaurants on West Granada Boulevard between Beach Street and North Ridgewood Avenue.
City officials have long eyed the street as potential for growth with its revitalization part of the city’s master plan for the area. The city has increased waste water retention, utilizing a park on Lincoln Avenue, added a parking lot and has plans to widen New Britain Avenue. When city staff presented the storm water plans and other improvements to advisory boards this year, they said the goal was to encourage development of New Britain Avenue to expand the downtown and make New Britain a walkable area.
“You’re so lucky to have someone willing to invest in the downtown.”
GLENN STORCH, attorney for the developer
Now, a developer, Highlander Corp., is set to fulfill the dreams of a bustling downtown by building a multistory commercial/residential building on New Britain Avenue.
Property on the street, now containing aging housing, has been bought up by three partners, according to Glenn Storch, an attorney helping Highlander with the development.
“That’s how this type of project succeeds,” he said recently. “When properties are individually owned, these projects often fall apart.”
A New Britain Avenue resident, who did not want to be identified, said he was told about the potential plans for the development when he started renting his house from Highlander Corp. six years ago. He said they have been good landlords, and they have done good things in the city.
“They’re trying to beautify the place,” he said.
The only hitch in the plan is that there is a two-story height limit along that street, instituted in 2010, and Bill Jones, owner of Highlander, seeks approval to build up to five stories. A site plan and design have not been submitted.
Asked at the Dec. 8 Planning Board meeting why the two-story limit was imposed, Senior Planner Steven Spraker said he did not have information readily available, but protecting the nearby Lincoln Avenue historic district was a factor.
A long line of speakers at the meeting, both pro and con, made it last three hours as they presented their case. Each had three minutes to talk.
The decision before the board was whether or not to remove the two-story height limit. That would make the height limit five stories, the same as the rest of the River District, the area along West Granada Boulevard from Beach Street to U.S. 1.
Their decision at the end of the night was to recommend approval for three stories. If the developer draws up a plan for four or five stories, he must come back with a planned business development for approval.
The next step will be for the City Commission to vote on the matter in two readings, Jan. 17 and Feb. 7. The commission will take the Planning Board recommendation into consideration.
Storch told the Planning Board that because of a proposed buffer equal to the height of the building and landscaping, people on Lincoln Avenue would not see the building. In regard to added traffic, he said projects are not permitted until after traffic studies.
Storch pointed out that the developer, Bill Jones, has restored many of the buildings on West Granada Boulevard and called him a “class act.” Jones’ buildings include 31 on the Boulevard, Rose Villa, Grind Restaurant and the mall that includes Rose’s Café and Dunn’s Attic.
“You’re so lucky to have someone willing to invest in the downtown,” he said.
Some residents of the Historic District say a five-story apartment building would “tower over” their neighborhood negatively impact the historic ambience.
Resident Ellen Needham said she wanted to protect the historic district. “I understand you want to bring life to the area, but five stories is excessive,” she said. She also said she didn’t think a street of apartments would raise property values in the area.
Some speakers, such as Jay Cortright, approved the change.
“It will be attractive to millennials and seniors who want to stay in the area,” she said. “It represents a revitalization of downtown. It will look alive.”
But another resident asked why millennials were more important than nearby residents.
Businessman Ron Defilippo, who owns Lulu’s Oceanside Grill, supported the change. He said the town is stagnant and new people should be attracted to the area. He also pointed out that Orchard Street, which is adjacent to the Ormond Heritage Condominium, is still historic.
Jeff Boyle, a former city commissioner, opposed approval, saying the city was breaking a promise it made to residents in 2010 when it instituted the two-story limit.
“It protects the aesthetic profile and character of Lincoln,” he said.
Rob Wasserbeck said when he looks at the proposal, he sees that “deals have been struck” between the developer and the city. Also, he said millennials will not be able to afford the rent.
The director of Ormond MainStreet, Julia Truilo, supported removing the height restriction, saying it’s important to have living space downtown and the setback will protect properties on Lincoln Avenue. She also pointed out the successful history of Bill Jones’ work.
“This is being shepherded by a developer who takes care and has respect for the buildings,” she said.
Norman Lane said Bill Jones has done a “fabulous” job, be he thinks the limit should be four stories.
“Five stories would be oppressive,” he said.
Waiting to approve after a plan would be submitted would be smarter, according to Greg Kilpatrick.
“It’s too nebulous,” he said. “We don’t know what will be there.”
Ralph Potter, of Lincoln Avenue, said he was hearing about the vision of the city and the vision of the developer, but likes New Britain Avenue the way it is now.
“Ormond Beach is a miracle of mixed-income housing,” he said. “We don’t need your plan.”
