Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in DeLand public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
4 issues in zoning with high priority
Commercial land use and rezone near West Volusia and South Spring Garden
The 1925 Ida Erhart Apartments, a six-unit building one block from Stetson, got the green light to become a boutique hotel — legally, the only zoning that matches the comprehensive plan. Neighbors fear it 'cracks' a residential block inside a National Register district and sets the stage for offices replacing historic homes. Several speakers also asked the city to consider a transitional mixed-use zoning district for edges like this.
Variance request for downtown infill redevelopment
Two 1952-platted vacant lots near E New York and S Amelia can't meet modern zoning standards, so the owner is asking for sweeping variances to build. It's a test of how DeLand handles historic, undersized lots in the downtown commercial district.
DeLand Atrium rezoning at 600 N. Woodland Blvd
A plan to rezone the former Museum of Art site from Educational zoning to a Planned Development. The building would keep its arts uses — including Stetson University's theater — while gaining flexibility for other compatible uses if tenants leave. Neighbors to the west are single-family homes, so what happens on this corner matters to them.
Rezone of 23 acres near ISB and Spring Garden Avenue
Nearly 23.33 acres at the busy corner of International Speedway Blvd. and North Spring Garden Ave. would shift from single-family zoning to Business Retail. What gets built here affects traffic, nearby neighborhoods and the commercial character of a major gateway corridor.