Concerns of Developing the Land:

• The current zoning for the property is low density residential that allows 4.3 homes per acre. This could result in 350 or more homes on the current 147 acre golf course property. This size development would result in approximately 700+ more vehicles coming and going from Tomoka Oaks and The Trails entrances. Based on the Institute of Traffic Engineers (ITE) a single-family house would generate 9.44 average daily trips (an ITE Standard).
• The Tomoka Oaks neighborhood was not originally designed to support this volume with one main entrance/exit to Tomoka Oaks Blvd and Nova Road. This intersection will become more dangerous, Escondido residents will be impacted as well as anticipated traffic back up on side roads leading through The Trails subdivision.
• With no sidewalks in the existing neighborhoods, pedestrian safety and speeding are an ongoing concern.
• The possible environmental impacts include the clear-cutting of beautiful 100+ year-old oak trees with limited restrictions due to a State of Florida law overruling local ordinances. Wildlife habitat and migratory birds will be impacted by the development. There are claims and sightings of gopher turtles and American bald eagles on the golf course.
• The golf course is one of the highest elevation points in Volusia County and sits on a coquina limestone foundation that naturally absorbs and filters water. Proposed development will reduce green space that currently acts as a buffer to absorb heavy rains caused by major thunderstorms and tropical weather. Buffers function as filters that catch and trap sediment, nutrients, pesticides and pollutants before reaching surface waters. Potential runoff could impact existing homes and possibly the Tomoka River. 
• Continual loss of green space in Ormond Beach 

Proposed solutions:  

• The City of Ormond Beach becomes involved in purchasing the Tomoka Oaks Golf Course land and designates it as a city-owned green space. Purchase cost can potentially be offset through the Trust for Public Land, Florida Forever, Volusia Forever, and Volusia County's ECHO grant program.
• If property is developed, a 100 ft. buffer from existing homes needs to be put in place around the complete perimeter of the property designated as a conservation zone. Conservation zone protects from tree removal of any and all healthy oak trees.
• If Planned Residential Design is submitted to the City without requested conservation zone, approval is withheld. 

Thank you for your continued dedication to the Ormond Beach community

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