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Outcome of Planning Board Hearings
As many of you already know, the Planning Board voted 7-0 to unanimously recommend denial of the Tomoka Reserve application. On the surface, that is GREAT but keep in mind the Planning Board members made a big show of claiming an acceptable number of homes would be between 220-240. The developer can continue to negotiate with the City Commissioners in one-on-one meetings prior to the upcoming Commission hearing without it violating any Sunshine Laws - NOT GREAT.
You can read about the hearing in the Observer.
Audio of the hearing was removed by YouTube midstream, and the City created a new YouTube link for the remainder of the hearing which you can listen to at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHypRKYK9oU
Commission Hearing set for Tuesday, November 7, 2023
The City Commission will hear the first reading of the Tomoka Reserve PRD zoning application on Tuesday, November 7th. The hearing will need a larger facility than the regular City Hall Commission Chamber. Once the time and location have been finalized, I will send out those details.
The public will be allowed 3 minutes to testify. I imagine a lot of us will want an opportunity to speak. If you do speak, I suggest two things:
- When giving your opinion, don't just say general statements such as "traffic will be a nightmare" or "the lot sizes are too small." While it's great to have your say, it is important your opinion is backed up with facts to sound credible.
- Print your testimony and any fact based evidence. Be sure it contains your name and street address. At the end of your testimony, give the printed documents to the City Clerk (sitting near the Commissioners) so it becomes part of the public record. This could be critical if we need to go to court.
Prior to the November 7 hearing, you can also provide the City with letters and documents that will go in the Commission Packet. Email those documents to Steven.Spraker@ormondbeach.org and include "For Tomoka Reserve Commission Packet" in subject line.
Get a red SAVE TOMOKA OAKS t-shirt to wear to the hearing!
Darla and Doug Widnall, our supporters who live in the Trails, printed red t-shirts that say: "SAVE TOMOKA OAKS" - - All area residents can purchase one for $5.00 by calling or texting Darla at 386-235-5549. This red shirt will send a strong, visual message to the Commission that we oppose this development.
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