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Port Orange residents protest against planned development

PORT ORANGE, Fla. — Some Volusia County residents said they are worried a planned development could ruin their quality of life.

The plan is to build dozens of homes in a new development called Serenity Hills.

Neighbors who are opposed to the project said Serenity Hills isn't compatible with their community, and they're worried it could lead to traffic problems off Hensel Road.

Opponents took to the streets Monday to protest the development.

“We had horns blowing, people waving. So it was a 100 percent positive,” said neighbor Steve Johnston.

Traffic is just one concern; another is the lot size. %

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Landowner Coventry Partners wants to build 95 new homes across 82 acrest, but neighbors worry the homes will be packed onto the property. They believe the lot sizes are too small compared to neighboring communities, and most of the homes have 1-acre lots.
“We know it's going to be developed. Let's develop to be compatible with our neighborhood,” said neighbor Stan King. "The quality of life will probably change because of the impact of the density here.”
Project planner Clay Ervin told Channel 9 that planners have reduced the number of homes, increased lot sizes and added buffers to the project. Ervin also said the proposal falls within city guidelines, and a traffic study shows neighboring roads would not be overcrowded by the new homes.
But many neighbors disagree.
“We're just a group of homeowners that have banded together to hopefully have the developers listen to us and the city council listen to us,” said neighbor Steve Johnston.
The city council is expected to decide on the project Tuesday.
Even if it's approved, Ervin said it could take up to nine months before construction begins.

Cox Media Group

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