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Residents urge board to buy Halleck/Enterprise parcel to keep it natural and reduce neighborhood flooding
Summary
Dozens of New Smyrna Beach residents and HOA leaders told the Turnbull Creek Preservation Board that repeated flooding after Hurricane Ian and later storms shows the city should buy and preserve the parcel at Halleck and Enterprise rather than allow development.
Dozens of residents from Pine Island, Timber Trace, Quail Hollow and adjacent neighborhoods told the Turnbull Creek Preservation Board during public comment that the parcel at Halleck and Enterprise should be purchased and left in its natural state to reduce flood risk to surrounding homes.
"Our subdivision has 174 homes, and every single one was impacted by Hurricane Ian," said Linda Van Dusen, president of the Pine Island Homeowners Association. "We strongly support the city of New Smyrna Beach purchasing this property and preserving it in its natural state." Several other speakers described repeated flooding, lost vehicles and long recovery times after Ian and later storms.
Speakers said development of the site would increase runoff and worsen drainage for streets such as Wayne, Pioneer and Enterprise. "When Milton came, it took longer for the water to drain because it couldn't get to the creek," said Terry Palmer of Lehi Eagles HOA, describing how fill placed at a nearby site impeded outflow and required his community to pump a retention pond into a tidal creek.
Board chair responded by describing progress on Turnbull Creek cleanup and encouraging citizens to engage with zoning and commission meetings. The comments were followed by staff and board discussion about wetland determinations, zoning and whether to pursue an appraisal and negotiations on the parcel.
