Petition to Oppose: Proposed Commercial Truck Travel Center (WSB, LLC Travel Center; S-25-009, 1262816)

We, the undersigned residents of Volusia County, formally and respectfully submit our opposition to the special exception designation in accordance with Volusia County Code of Ordinances, Chapter 72—293.  Specifically, the PLDRC may deny exception designation if one or more conditions are met. This proposed project is inconsistent with many elements of the County Comprehensive Plan.

1. Notwithstanding the provisions of Division 14 of the Land Development Code, it will generate undue traffic congestion.

-     Traffic congestion in this area is already an issue.  In 2022, the County Traffic Engineering Division designated the I-4 Westbound Exit 118 roads as “critical,” defined as operating at capacity. 

-     Federal, state, county, and city agencies raised numerous and alarming concerns about the impact of the project.

-     A proposed travel truck center consisting of 154 truck parking areas and expanded amenities (estimated over 500+ daily trips) will place an undue burden on residents and adversely impact necessary emergency services.

2. It will create a hazard or public nuisance, or be dangerous to individuals or to the public.

-   In the 2022 FDOT Truck Study Report, residential areas were identified as unsuitable for the development of a truck plaza.  Specifically, retirement communities were considered highly unsuitable for truck center development by FDOT.  No existing private truck travel centers in FDOT District 5 border residential communities. 

-   East New York Avenue is a single-lane roadway in both directions with no shoulder, creating danger for residents who walk and ride bicycles on this roadway daily.

-     Noise pollution will significantly increase. A single semi-truck operates at 85 decibels, well above the County ordinance limits of 65 db for current zoning (B-6C).  The decibel level increases with each additional truck. 

3. It will adversely affect the natural environment/resources or scenic beauty, or cause excessive pollution. 

-    Per the Volusia County Council, “The county council hereby finds and declares that the control of pollution in the county is essential for the protection of the people and the property situated in the county.”

-     Air and water pollution will increase as a natural consequence of diesel fuel combustion and exhaust. The St. John’s Water Management System estimates up to 95% of heavy metals enter Florida waterways through untreated stormwater runoff.  Many residents in the area obtain their drinking water from well water.

-     The introduction of an impervious structure and the loss of wetlands will exacerbate the potential for flooding in this Flood Zone A area, and have a significant adverse impact on the area’s ecosystem. This flooding has the potential to damage senior citizens’ and residential homes as well as access to state and local roads.

4. It will materially alter the character of the surrounding neighborhoods or adversely affect the value of the surrounding land, structures, or buildings.

-     The Deland Vision Plan states that Deland provides “guidance to growth in this unincorporated area of Volusia County.”   The proposed project is misaligned with the City’s Vision 2050 and City Ordinances. The small-town feel of the City of Deland would disappear at the easternmost boundary of the city.

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Conclusion: We, the undersigned citizens of Volusia County, in accordance with County regulations, have demonstrated numerous factual reasons that the special exception to the Proposed Commercial Truck Travel Center (WSB, LLC Travel Center; S-25-009, 1262816) should be denied