The City of Daytona Beach held a government meeting on December 4, 2024, where key discussions centered around a proposed development project and its potential impact on local traffic and parking. Residents expressed concerns regarding the safety and accessibility of Terrace Avenue, particularly in relation to parking for the new development, which includes six affordable housing units.

Les Thaxton, a local resident, raised issues about the narrow width of Terrace Avenue, which he described as only 18 feet 6 inches wide. He highlighted that if guests park on the street, it would effectively reduce the road to a single lane, complicating access to Bellevue Avenue, a busy thoroughfare. Thaxton emphasized the risk of accidents if parking is not managed properly and suggested that parking should be relocated to the back of the units.

Anne Ruby, another resident, echoed Thaxton's concerns, noting that the back alley may not be suitable for parking either. She proposed that the city consider implementing no-parking signs on Terrace Avenue to alleviate potential traffic issues. Ruby also questioned the feasibility of the development's design, suggesting that the spacing between units could lead to maintenance problems.

In response, Jessica Gau, representing the applicant, assured the community that the development would feature rear access with garages and driveways for each unit. She expressed willingness to collaborate with the city on safety improvements, including the possibility of signage to manage parking.

Planning Director Dennis Merzak confirmed that the city could implement no-parking signs along Terrace Avenue and indicated that this could be included in the development agreement. The commission agreed to direct staff to explore this option further.

The meeting also included discussions on several other development projects, with public hearings scheduled for December 18, 2024, to finalize decisions on various zoning amendments and development agreements. These included plans for a veterinary clinic expansion, a self-storage facility, and the redevelopment of a vacant restaurant into a veterinary hospital.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the community's concerns about traffic safety and parking related to new developments, as well as the city's commitment to addressing these issues as part of the planning process.