Heidi Van Etten

The board reviewed a variance request for a car wash project involving landscape buffer reductions at 1601 N. Woodland Blvd. Discussions also covered a comprehensive plan amendment for land use change from Low Density Residential to High Density Residential at 1325 Aquarius Ave, as well as a proposed text amendment ordinance regarding affordable housing density bonuses, which includes incentives for developments that designate units as affordable.

The Planning Board addressed several variance requests, including increases to maximum impervious lot coverage for properties at 115 Parkhurst Lane and 805 Cypress Oak Circle, and an additional driveway access request for 1008 E. Michigan Ave. The board also reviewed a site plan for the renovation of a historic building at 225 W. New York Ave., a special exception for a liquor license at 142 W. Georgia Ave., a request for rezoning at 210 W. Wisconsin Ave., and a comprehensive plan amendment by the City of DeLand to create a new residential land use category.

The Planning Board meeting addressed several variance and planning applications. Discussions included a variance request for property setbacks at 618 W. Voorhis Ave., 620 E. Division St., and 117 Parkhurst Ln. Furthermore, the board reviewed planning applications for the annexation and comprehensive plan amendment for The Oaks Community, a special exception for a liquor license at 148 W. New York Ave., and a subdivision sketch for residential townhomes on E. Beresford Ave. The board also discussed the removal of plastic barriers in the commission chambers.

The board meeting agenda focused on various planning and variance applications. Key items included a continued variance request for a landscape buffer reduction, several rezoning requests for planned developments such as Glasshouse Square, DeLand Tech Park, and DeLand Commons, as well as a comprehensive plan amendment. Additionally, the agenda outlined a development agreement regarding the Glasshouse Square PD, covering land uses, architectural standards, and mitigation strategies.

This document outlines the City of DeLand's Strategic Plan for 2015-2025 and serves as preparatory material for a strategic planning session held on March 14, 2022. The plan's overarching vision is to maintain DeLand's strong sense of community, distinctive assets, and its heritage as the 'Athens of Florida'. Key strategic pillars include enhancing community quality of life, supporting educational opportunities, fostering a healthy economy, preserving history, and promoting active citizen engagement. It also focuses on regional high-value job creation, smart growth principles, creating a connected community, ensuring high-value government, effective communication, maintaining public safety, and preparing for future sustainability. Specific priorities for 2021-2022 include bridging service delivery needs with resources, improving city gateways, increasing infrastructure investment, attracting new businesses, and developing workforce housing.