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Commission approves historic-overlay zoning and sale of 403 Magnolia to local developer
Summary
By a 4-1 vote the commission approved a historic building overlay for 403 Magnolia, authorized a $225,000 contract and restrictive covenants tied to state grant requirements, and the buyer pledged to invest in exterior rehabilitation and carry insurance covering the city's reimbursement obligation.
The City Commission approved Ordinance 45-24 and related administrative steps to transfer ownership of the former New Smyrna Beach Women's Club at 403 Magnolia to a private buyer who pledged to rehabilitate the historic facility.
Senior planner Bob reviewed the building's history, noting construction around 1924, prior individual listing on the National Register of Historic Places, and other local and state preservation recognitions. Staff recommended applying a Historic Building Overlay District (HBOD) to permit reuse consistent with preservation objectives; the planning and preservation boards had both recommended approval.
Curtis Hodges, the successful proposer, told commissioners he planned about $2,000,000 in renovations and said he would maintain insurance and honor the state preservation requirements. "I will make sure the building is renovated to the standard that it was originally," Hodges said, adding he plans to operate the facility as an events venue (he said the interior could be modernized while the exterior would be preserved under state grant covenants).
Assistant City Manager Nyberg and staff explained the financial and procedural elements: the city previously received a state rehabilitation grant, there is a five-year covenant tied to grant reimbursement, and Hodges has agreed to carry insurance and other protections so the city would not be left repaying state funds in case of catastrophic loss. Nyberg said, if the restrictive covenants and contract terms are satisfied over the required period, the city's obligation would be resolved in accordance with the covenant terms.
Following public testimony (including support from the Historic Preservation Commission), commissioners discussed neighborhood concerns—noise, parking, occupancy limits, and sequencing of approvals. The commission voted to adopt the HBOD (Ordinance 45-24) by a 4-1 roll call and then approved two administrative actions: authorization for the city manager to execute a commercial contract with the Carter Presley Launch Trust (the buyer) and authorization to record the required restrictive covenants. Both administrative items passed on roll call votes.
What was approved tonight leaves specifics (for example, event spread beyond property boundaries or frequent use patterns) subject to future permitting and any special-event approvals. The city will require adherence to the exterior-preservation covenant and the insurance protections Hodges discussed; staff said the city expects to recoup grant-related reimbursements if covenant conditions are met.
