June 19. the Daytona Beach City Commission approved zoning/comprehensive plan changes allowing up to 300 new apartments, a (400 space) parking garage on the First Baptist Church property (perimeters of the entire project are N Ridgewood Ave, Palmetto Ave, Intl Speedway Blvd and Bay St).

The vote involved comprehensive plan changes to allow for more high-intensity uses (increasing the density from 40 to 150 housing units per acre) in the downtown district.

With the approval of the garage and residential zoning, the Consolidated-Tomoka Land Co project would later focus on commercial venues including retail shops, a grocery store, and restaurants.

The Daytona Regional Chamber spoke in support of the project because it will draw more people living and working downtown, thus bringing more new businesses to Beach St and make the riverfront a destination for visitors.

Rob Merrell stated that the height of the building would be based on floor area ratio and that any trees removed in the area would be replaced with twice the number of trees.

It’s not a done deal yet but it sets the table for something to happen.

Mayor Derrick Henry, Commissioners Rob Gilliland, Paula Reed, Ruth Trager, Aaron Delgado, and Quanita May voted in support of the Comprehensive Plan Amendment. Commissioner Dannette Henr y was absent for this meeting.

On the 2nd item...rezoning the 5.99 acres to Planned Development-Redevelopment, Commissioner Ruth Trager voted No.