Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in DeLand public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
12 issues
Amendment 3 budget gap and FY 2027/28 revenue strategies
Voters passed Amendment 3, which raises the homestead exemption and caps non-homestead value growth — costing DeLand an estimated $5.2 million next fiscal year and $8.8 million the year after. The city has to find new revenue, cut services, or both to balance the budget. This meeting was the kickoff of that multi-meeting process.
Rear storefront alteration at 116 W. New York Avenue
The owner of a 1925 brick building in the Downtown Historic District wants to add a glass egress door and roll-up security doors on sides not visible from Georgia Avenue. It's a test of how the board balances historic character with practical security and safety needs.
New firefighters and police officer sworn into city service
DeLand's fire and police departments are adding staff — three new firefighters and one new police officer were introduced. More personnel helps response times and coverage as the city grows.
General election results declared and Organizational Meeting set
Mayor Chris Cloudman, Commissioner Jessica Davis and Commissioner Kevin Reid were all elected without opposition in August, so no runoff was needed. They'll be sworn in for new four-year terms at the Organizational Meeting on November 17, 2026.
Fire prevention fee schedule revision
The Commission took up a resolution revising the fire prevention fee schedule — the charges the city collects for fire inspections and prevention services. Changes here can affect what businesses and property owners pay.
West Voorhis Avenue Streetscape Project
The CRA had to decide how much of the West Voorhis streetscape redesign to build with its $1.5 million in reserves. The project would narrow the road, slow traffic, and add wider sidewalks and bike accommodations. Picking the full Alternative 1 means borrowing about $220,000.
The Vue at Blue Lake townhome development
A 35-unit townhome community on 6.1 acres near Blue Lake with a single entrance, walking paths, and a secondary emergency access route the county wants left unpaved at the property line. It still needs Planning Board and two City Commission public hearings before approval.
Proposed Wawa convenience store with gas pumps at ISB and Spring Garden
A special exception for a Wawa convenience store with gas pumps at ISB and Spring Garden, which would join two other Wawas in the area — locals joked about a 'triangle of Wawas.' It moves to Planning Board once comments are addressed.
Stetson Baptist Church storage outbuilding
A storage building for dry goods that has been in review for over six months, with the applicant frustrated by what he called redundant comments. The committee required driveway apron paving, landscaping details, tree coverage counts, and a note that any future mechanical equipment be screened — partly out of concern that church outbuildings can creep into other uses.
Community development trends report
The quarterly financial report showed revenue and spending compared to last year, with growth slower than hoped. Developers are waiting before committing, which could affect future city revenues.
Six-foot fence variance at 1035 E. Voorhis Avenue
A corner-lot homeowner wants to replace a four-foot chain-link fence with a six-foot wooden fence along the street side, saying vehicles have repeatedly struck the house. Staff found no visibility or neighborhood problems.
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.