ORMOND BEACH, Fla. – Homeowners in a Volusia County neighborhood are speaking out against a request to build hundreds of homes on a closed golf course in their community.
Residents in the Tomoka Oaks neighborhood say they are concerned about the impact the development could have on traffic, safety, and the overall character of their area. Many say the issue is not new, and that the community has fought similar proposals before.
Under the current plan, city leaders will review a request to develop 254 single-family homes on the former Tomoka Oaks Golf Course. The proposal is scheduled to be discussed during a public meeting on Friday.
City leaders note the application submitted by Robert A. Merrell III, Esquire, Cobb Cole, on behalf of the property owner, Triumph Oaks of Ormond Beach I, LLC, for the issuance of a development order for the Tomoka Reserve subdivision.
Neighbors say the number of homes being proposed is too high for the area and could lead to congestion and dangerous driving conditions.
“We live here. This is ours. The shoe doesn’t fit,” one homeowner said.
Residents who live near the property say they are especially concerned about how the development would affect the quiet residential nature of the neighborhood.
“I just think the whole idea is absolutely insane. It does not fit the neighborhood, it doesn’t fit the community, and it just feels like a slap in the face every time,” another resident said.
Another major concern for homeowners is the traffic flow in and out of the proposed development. Some say the plan currently includes only one exit, which they fear could create safety risks.
“The builders keep asking for too many homes,” one resident said.
Others worry about the impact on families and children who live in the neighborhood.
“With hundreds of additional homes going in and out of this neighborhood, my kids play in the streets. I can’t imagine them riding around the neighborhood and not getting hit by a car,” a homeowner said.
Residents say the potential increase in traffic could make the area more dangerous for everyone.
“It’s going to be tough for all of us. It’s going to be dangerous,” another neighbor said.
News 6 has reached out the group representing the development and city officials. Officials say city commissioners are expected to hear these concerns and more during Friday’s meeting as they review the proposal.
“No matter how they repackage this to us, it does not fit, and we don’t want it. The commissioners need to listen to us,” a resident said.
The first public hearing on the proposal is scheduled for Friday at 6 p.m., with another meeting expected toward the end of March. Several homeowners say they plan to attend both meetings to voice their concerns.
The meeting location for the public hearings is the City Commission Chambers, 22 South Beach, Ormond Beach, FL 32174.