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Committee proposes softening historic-preservation mandates and adding 'cultural arts' to charter
Summary
The committee recommended revising historic-preservation language to emphasize priority rather than mandatory action and to add a new charter section (6.05) establishing cultural arts as a city priority; some commissioners flagged property-rights and implementation concerns.
One committee recommendation would revise Charter Section 6.03 to prioritize historic preservation rather than mandating certain actions the committee judged overly prescriptive. The committee also proposed adding a new section (6.05) to establish cultural arts (staff revised the wording to 'cultural arts') as a city priority to reflect New Smyrna Beach’s identity as an arts and festival town.
Public commenters and commissioners generally supported protecting local festivals and arts as economic drivers. Some commissioners cautioned that mandating preservation actions in the charter can impinge on property-owner rights; the committee and facilitator acknowledged debate and said the new language was drafted to retain property-rights protections while encouraging preservation and support for cultural activities. The commission asked for precise wording edits and confirmed the city attorney will update the draft for Aug. 12.
