- April 25, 2024
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In anticipation of future growth planned for the west side of I-95, the city of Ormond Beach is beginning to plan how to best expand its wastewater capacity.
On Tuesday, Jan. 18, the Ormond Beach City Commission voted 4-1 to approve a $127,000 work authorization to Mead and Hunt for the preliminary engineering design and the preparation of a technology assessment for a second wastewater treatment plant.
The assessment, to include site planning, will examine the city’s 16-acre property at the northwest corner of Airport Road and State Road 40. The property was deeded to the city in 1991 for utility purposes with the creation of the Hunter’s Ridge Development of Regional Impact.
The city’s ownership of the land is why staff focused on it for the possibility of constructing a new plant, said Public Works Director Shawn Finley. It’s a project that was included in the city’s 2015 Utilities Master Plan Update, which identified increased plant capacity as a long-term future need, according to a city memo.
“This is just really the first step to give us the information and to begin the design of something that’s going to be there,” Finley said. “Sewage plants are not something you build every day. They are generational projects. … I think this is the right direction for us to go.”
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection also requires municipalities to plan for increased plant capacity once its existing facility exceeds 80% of its rated capacity.
City Commissioner Dwight Selby, who cast the lone vote against the consent agenda item, said he was concerned that the expansion, and the city’s choice in location, was being driven by Avalon Park Daytona Beach, which aims to construct 3,250 homes and 200,000 square feet of commercial retail by 2030. When he asked Finley at the meeting how much of the need was being driven by Avalon, Finely said about 50-60%.
Selby also said that the commission hasn’t officially made a decision on whether the city will provide utilities to Avalon. A 2002 settlement agreement with the city of Daytona Beach has designated the city of Ormond as the utility provider; it states the city will provide Daytona with utilities at a wholesale rate.
“I don’t have enough information to know whether or not this is the appropriate place for a future plant like that, or plants like that,” Selby said. I don’t know enough about the Avalon Daytona, whole project, and our commitment to it.”
The commissioner added that most of the city’s own growth will likely occur in the North U.S. 1 corridor and asked staff if they had explored expansion options in that area.
Finley said that the city has done this, but added that the city-owned parcel is not too far from the U.S. 1 corridor.
“There’s pros and cons and we will continue to always look at what the best option is for us to be the most efficient,” Finley said.
The construction of a new plant won’t happen overnight, he added. The commission will have a say every step of the way. The new plant would also aid with the future growth from Ormond Crossings and the Flagler County portion of Hunter’s Ridge, which the city is also servicing.
Mayor Bill Partington said at the meeting that Selby brought up a good point, but ultimately, he felt that this was a good move. Avalon Park should have started construction already, and the mayor said there has been no “substantial activity.”
“So Avalon may happen or it may not happen, it’s just something that’s planned for the future,” Partington said. “This is just good planning for the city and I think it needs to happen regardless of what happens with our total western utility service area.”
The Florida Association of Counties recently recognized Volusia County Government with a “Best Practices Award” for its “rapid and comprehensive implementation of changes required by the passage of Amendment 10 in 2018,” a press release announced.
Amendment 10 created constitutional elected offices for the sheriff, tax collector, supervisor of elections and property appraiser.
The amendment took effect on Jan. 5, 2021.
On Wednesday, Jan. 12, Volusia County’s Community Assistance Division opened its online portal for Emergency Rental Assistance. It closed after 36 minutes, having received the maximum 500 applications, a press release details.
The portal allowed county residents who experienced financial hardships during the pandemic to apply for rental and utility assistance. The county has $4 million available for this, thanks to a federal grant. Additional applications may be accepted at a later date after applications are processed and information is verified.
Volusia will host its annual State of the County address at noon Tuesday, Feb. 8 in the Ocean Center.
Seating for the luncheon is limited; reservations are required and may be made until Jan. 28. Visit 2022soc.eventbrite.com
On Monday, Jan. 24, Homes Bring Hope announced that Truist provided the nonprofit with a $25,000 grant.
Founded by Forough Hosseini, senior vice president of ICI Homes and local philanthropist, Homes Bring Hope aims to help people qualify for home ownership.
“Truist has been a valued partner in all of our initiatives for many years,” Hosseini said. “It is wonderful to have their support in our efforts to help people transition from paying rent to actually owning a home and building equity, which economists agree is a major factor in triumphing over poverty. The Truist grant will enable us transform lives. It will have a major effect on our community and set the stage for helping many more families in the years ahead.”
Homes Bring Hope provides wraparound services for clients, helping them apply for down payment assistance from various sources, according to a press release. To learn more, visit HomesBringHope.org
