CHRIS KELLEY IS IN THE NEWSPAPER AGAIN!
If you get the News Journal you should check out the letter to the editor article that I sent in.
My letter deals with a pretty important issue in Volusia County and I think you might learn something from it. It will be in today's paper and it's in the Ideas section of the newspaper.
My letter deals with a pretty important issue in Volusia County and I think you might learn something from it. It will be in today's paper and it's in the Ideas section of the newspaper.
Cities' heritage precious
Re "Fast-paced growth despoiling Volusia County's heritage," Community Voices column, March 16:
It was interesting to read about West Volusia's past and the possible future of historic areas as a whole. In today's Volusia County, steps must be taken to see that protection of the heritage comes first.
At present, historic areas in most Volusia cities are not the most vibrant parts of those cities. With the wave of big developments and big boxes, many cities in Volusia will inevitably lose their historic downtowns. Developers and investors need to start focusing on redeveloping historic downtowns instead of demolishing to build developments not consistent with historic areas.
I learned at a New Smyrna Beach City Commission meeting March 14 that some residents are beginning to see what's going to happen to their city if they don't speak up. A group calling itself Save the Charm adamantly voiced opinions for protecting the heritage of New Smyrna Beach.
Vice Mayor Lynne Plaskett said it best at the meeting: "My battle here is for the soul of this city -- and I think we're losing it."
I am lucky to have been born and raised in New Smyrna Beach, one of the most historic cities in Florida, and I don't want to lose the heritage here.
New Smyrna Beach is just one of many cities that must protect their pasts. It would seem that some elected officials in recent years have dropped the ball on protecting heritage. As a result, major condominium projects have destroyed historic areas, and comprehensive plans are not being used as they should be. Residents of these cities will regret the sprawl such poor planning will bring. Fortunately, however, some are realizing they will be heard if they don't want to lose the charm and soul in their cities. Our cities' heritage is important for future generations and needs to be protected.
CHRIS KELLEY, New Smyrna Beach
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