- On November 2, 2005, the Volusia Growth
Management Commission failed to certify the proposed 250-unit
development that Friends of Thornby and others had been fighting for
almost five years. "Failure to certify" means that the development
cannot go forward.
- At a public hearing lasting until 1:00 a.m., the
Commission decided that negative impacts to local traffic and natural
resources would be significant if this "upzoning" were allowed.
- (The current land use on the property would
permit 20-30 homes). In addition, the Commission recognized
that high-density development is inconsistent with the
Enterprise Local Area Plan.
- Following the decision, the city of Deltona, led
by newly-elected city commissioner Janet Deyette, a long-time Thornby
supporter, voted unanimously to investigate the possibility of the
city's buying the property for use as a park for Deltona and West Volusia
residents.
- We couldn't be happier with the outcome of so
much effort and so many years of hard work. Special thanks to Neil
Armingeon, St. John's Riverkeeper, and Lynda White of the Audubon
Society, who came from Jacksonville and Orlando, respectively, to speak
at the hearing. Another heartfelt "thank you" to Ron Paradise,
Volusia County planner, whose powerful presentation on the Enterprise
Plan carried the day.
- "Never doubt that a small, group of thoughtful,
committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the
only thing that ever has
Join Us