VCC To Vote On Purchase Of 36 Acres On Ormond Scenic Loop

DeLand, FL – Sign waving to ‘Defend the Loop’ has been taking place since last June and tomorrow (April 20), those who have been working to get the Volusia County Council (VCC) to approve the purchase of 36 acres in the Plantation Oaks subdivision could see their hard work come to fruition. Suzanne Scheiber, the founder of Dream Geen Volusia, has been a driving force in getting the purchase of the land to this point. During public comment on Agenda Item 6, she plans to give an update on what’s been accomplished, including the more than 70,000 signatures on the ‘Defend the Loop’ petition. "The funds raised, the number of signs handed out, the number of signatures on the petition, bumper stickers, and just like, all support that’s been garnered. There’s been tons of support for this project." Scheiber said that she believes that the project would not have gotten to this point had the public not risen to support it.  "I think this really matters because I think it set the tone for the Ormond Scenic Loop & Trail for the future. I think people realize that and that’s the reason they rose up and they wanted to talk about it so much." You can find Agenda Item 6 at volusia.org.  Because Dream Green Volusia has only been a registered non-profit since February, money that’s been raised through the ‘Defend the Loop’ campaign will be processed through the North Florida Land Trust. Scheiber says that in order for the organization to qualify to be the applicant for ECHO funds the partnership was needed because being a non-profit for at least two years is required. As to whether the purchase of what VCC staff is calling the ‘Loop Project,"  will be approved without a hitch, Scheiber said she doesn’t take anything for granted. Attending council meetings, she’s found that there’s a huge competition for ECHO funds. She also said there are many worthy projects but she hopes the land purchase gets approved. There has been a change to the VCC meeting start time and the placement of public participation. Public comment, which has been happening a half-hour prior to the meeting, has been moved to after the Call to Order, the Invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance, and Roll Call for VCC members. The change comes after District 4 councilperson Heather Post made a motion at the April 6 meeting to make the change.  Tomorrow’s meeting begins at 9:30 a.m.