Volusia County Chair Working To Save A Part Of “The Scenic Loop”

Ormond Beach, FL – Discussion of concerns about development near the Scenic Loop, specifically Plantation Oaks, is on the agenda for the Ormond Beach City Commission tomorrow (January 19) meeting at 7 p.m. Development on the Scenic Loop has been a point of contention first between Volusia County and now the Ormond Beach City Commission and local conservation groups for some time. Newly-elected Volusia County Chair Jeff Brower has placed an item on tomorrow’s County Council agenda. Per a post on His Facebook page: "I am seeking approval of the entire council to enter serious negotiations with a willing seller to purchase an important piece of property in the Loop. This is very significant as it would be the FIRST parcel of land on the West side of Old Dixie Highway the county could purchase for conservation and preservation." Brower also said that almost 63,000 people signed a petition to Save the Loop. Ormond Einsteins, one of the conservation groups fighting for the Loop, posted that one developer has agreed to sell 76 lots. They also said with the Volusia ForeverLand Conservation program being renewed, "it’s the best opportunity in years to save land on the Ormond Beach Loop." The last time Plantation Oaks was on the agenda was in July. The Commission pulled it from the agenda for a later date. During the last planning board meeting that had Plantation Oaks on the agenda, around 150 people were in attendance. There was not enough room for social distancing. At tomorrow’s meeting, there will be social distanced seating in Commission Chambers. Room 103 and the Atrium are reserved for socially distanced overflow and residents can also listen from outside via speakers. You can comment on Plantation Oaks to the Ormond Beach City Commission at ormondbeach.org.  If you’d like to express your concerns to the Volusia County Council on Plantation Oaks or anything else, you can find their email addresses at volusia.org.