Ormond Beach Developers Clash with City Over 300-Home Project

A visual representation of the contentious development plans in Ormond Beach.

News Summary

Local developers are taking the City of Ormond Beach to court after their plans for a 300-home gated community on the site of the old Tomoka Oaks golf course were denied. The lawsuit claims the city’s rejection is an attempt to infringe upon the developers’ rights. The 18-hole golf course has been closed since 2018, and local residents have expressed concerns about the potential impact on the community. The ongoing legal battle has opened discussions about growth, preservation, and the future of the property.

Ormond Beach Developers Clash with City Over 300-Home Project

In a case that’s stirring up quite a buzz in Ormond Beach, local developers are taking on the city in court after their ambitious plans for a 300-home gated community on the vacant site of the old Tomoka Oaks golf course were shot down. The legal papers were filed in the U.S. District Court’s Orlando division just after Christmas, on December 26, 2024.

A Bold Vision for the Future

The developers behind this major project aim to breathe new life into the 18-hole golf course that has been closed since 2018. With an initial purchase price of $2.6 million, local business leaders had envisioned transforming the canvas into a delightful neighborhood called Tomoka Reserve, with plans for approximately 300 new homes. Unfortunately, the city’s rejection of their proposal has thrown a substantial wrench in those plans.

Hurdles and Heartaches

The lawsuit claims the city’s decision was a bit heavy-handed, asserting that it was an attempt to “strong-arm” Triumph Oaks—the development company—into forfeiting its constitutional and statutory rights. The developers are seeking a range of damages, hoping to recover from the blow of losing their project. They argue that the city has effectively cut off any chance of making beneficial use of the property due to its assertion that the land lacks zoning entitlements or development rights.

This is where it gets a bit tricky. The property had previously been rezoned for development back in 2006, but that project never took off. When Triumph Oaks acquired the property in 2021, it was still under that Planned Residential Development (PRD) zoning, so their hopes were high.

Crowds and Concerns

Throughout this tumultuous time, local residents have turned out in droves to voice their concerns during city meetings. Their opposition revolves around fears that a project of this scale could disrupt the charm and peaceful existence of the surrounding Tomoka Oaks neighborhood. The Tomoka Oaks Homeowners Association has been a vocal advocate for preserving the quality of life in Ormond Beach, emphasizing the need for balance in any new development.

The city’s decision to unanimously deny the developers’ request for a change in zoning to Residential-2 low-density was a tough pill for them to swallow. The Planning Board’s earlier rejection of the project also reflected the community’s apprehensions and dissatisfaction with the overall proposal. Despite attempts to work with feedback from residents, including suggestions to reduce the number of homes, the developers found themselves at a standstill.

The Bigger Picture

Emails revealed in the legal filings have suggested that city planners were seeking advice on how to justify denying the zoning application, raising eyebrows and leading to questions about the decision-making process. The heart of the matter lies in the community’s concern about the potential increase in traffic and the environmental implications tied to adding more housing in the area.

While many residents of Ormond Beach are open to some form of development, the call for compromise is sounding louder than ever. There seems to be a desire for growth, but not at the expense of what currently makes living in this coastal haven so special.

What Happens Next?

As this legal battle unfolds, both sides will likely continue to navigate the murky waters of city planning and community interests. A hopeful outcome could pave the way for a compromise that meets the developers’ vision while addressing residents’ concerns, creating a mutually beneficial situation that adds value to Ormond Beach without overwhelming it.

As the community holds its breath, one thing is clear: the future of the former Tomoka Oaks golf course is anything but black and white. Ormond Beach finds itself at a crossroads, where growth meets preservation, and the discussions are sure to fuel ongoing debates in the months to come.