Port Orange town hall gives residents chance to discuss recent city developments

PORT ORANGE — It was a chance to hear and talk about it all: From the upcoming Riverwalk project to traffic improvements for Dunlawton Avenue and other city developments.

The city hosted a town hall meeting at the Lakeside Community Center on Thursday night for residents and city government leaders to discuss the recent developments and the overall outlook for Port Orange.

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The event was originally scheduled for August of last year, but was postponed due to a spike in COVID cases.

Mayor Don Burnette led a presentation that covered the city's most relevant recent developments. In what Burnette called a “State of the City Light,” he addressed Port Orange's expanding population, as well as important new projects, such as the Riverwalk development and traffic and landscape improvements on Dunlawton Avenue — the busiest in the city.

“We are going to be updating the city strategic plan this year,” Burnette said. “While we’re planning for the next five to 10 years and how that will impact our residents and business community, we want to hear from (residents) first.”

The other four members of the Port Orange City Council — Drew Bastian, Scott Stiltner, Chase Tramont and Justin Foley — also attended.

Promise of Riverwalk

One of the main points of discussion was the upcoming Riverwalk project. The city has long sought a development plan for the prime 10-acre property along Ridgewood Avenue at the northwest corner of the Dunlawton Bridge.

On Dec. 14 of last year, the city chose Bristol Development Group’s $8.25 million offer for a project that is estimated to cost between $80 million and $90 million and bring a new destination site for both area residents and tourists.

Launching Riverwalk: Port Orange chooses Bristol Development Group to lead the 'Riverwalk' project

“That is a $9 million purchase — $9 million going back to the city coffers,” Burnette said, adding that the property had been off the city tax rolls for over two decades. “We will have money to reinvest in that area. I’m looking forward to a development where people can go down and enjoy the water.”

Some residents said they felt the city could host more arts and cultural events, which is something that the Riverwalk project could provide the space for once it’s developed.

Councilmember Stiltner encouraged residents to support the events that already happen in the city as a way to encourage organizers to keep coming back as the Riverwalk area expands.

“The more of that we see, the more we can help, as a community and as a city, to encourage more of that stuff,” Stiltner said.

Burnette also mentioned the highly-anticipated Fysh Bar and Grill restaurant (also located in part of the Riverwalk district), which remains under construction and is looking to open in the spring.

Coming soon: Massive restaurant takes shape at Port Orange's Riverwalk Park

The presentation also included the Down Under area. As the city prepares a feasibility study to potentially improve the area’s infrastructure, the unique spot under the east side of the Dunlawton Bridge has seen relatively new additions, such as a Jimmy Hula’s restaurant and the new Dunes Brewing; a new Millie’s Landing restaurant is also in the works at the area and will replace the now closed DJ’s Deck restaurant.

Dunlawton Avenue traffic and stormwater concerns

Burnette also addressed the growing traffic volume in the city.

“I’ve got to blame, well, everybody in this room a little bit, because what you all have done is called all of your friends and told them what a wonderful place Port Orange is to live, and now they all want to move here,” he joked.

He added, however, that the situation is part of the “growing pains that go along with a successful community.”

About Dunlawton Avenue, the city’s busiest, Burnette mentioned the lighting and landscaping improvements, as well as the recently completed turn lane extension project on two intersections that hopes to improve traffic.

Related: Traffic signal work on Dunlawton delays turn lane improvements in Port Orange

Burnette said taking care of Dunlawton is a top priority because of its “vibrant business community,” which “pays a ton of taxes.”

“I want to make sure that corridor stays beautiful,” he said.

The city’s stormwater infrastructure was also a topic of discussion. The city’s preparedness for potentially devastating storms is a point of concern, especially as the population continues to grow.

Burnette mentioned the recently completed Virginia Monroe Stormwater System project, which had been in the works since 2019, and said investments in the area will continue.

“We’re going to continue to reinvest in the city,” Burnette said. “Yes, it’s easier to build from a blank canvas, but it is hard when you have an infrastructure that’s existed for 50 to 60 years — you can’t ignore it.”

'This is the beginning of the conversation'

Residents also raised concerns about the lack of farmers markets (even though the one at the Port Orange Pavilion drew praise from both residents and councilmembers), more traffic improvements for Dunlawton Avenue and some area schools’ staffing difficulties.

Burnette said that the main challenge for city government is balancing the success of Port Orange’s high demand with the toll it has taken on longtime residents.

“It’s a valued proposition,” he said. “How can we provide the best service as possible in a quality city that’s in demand so that we can keep our residents safe and, at the same time, be a place where people can come enjoy their lives.”

Burnette encouraged those at the meeting and Port Orange residents to keep contacting city staff and councilmembers with concerns and suggestions, as it greatly contributes to the city’s ability to address the most important issues for residents.

“This is the beginning of the conversation, not the end of it,” Burnette said.

The mayor’s State of the City address is scheduled for Feb. 15. The time and location haven't yet been announced.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Port Orange holds town hall to address city developments and outlook