Commission approves purchase of property adjacent to Myrtle Avenue Park after residents urge preservation

The City Commission approved the purchase of property adjacent to Myrtle Avenue Park (108 S. Myrtle Avenue) on May 12 after multiple residents and historic‑preservation stakeholders urged the city to secure the land for park expansion and interpretive improvements.

Deborah Dugas, representing the New Smyrna Beach Residents Coalition, told the commission the coalition had “adopted Myrtle Avenue Park” and supported the acquisition so the group can collaborate on interpretive signage and native‑plant education. Historic Preservation Commission Chair Walter Bone described a mini history poster on the park and suggested ways to integrate the expanded parcel into a gateway treatment for Canal Street.

City staff and the city manager said the purchase would be funded using park impact fees and reiterated that the conceptual plan shown to the public was a concept, not a finalized design. “Nothing in terms of the future of the park is written in stone at this point,” the city manager said, noting staff intends to hold community meetings to shape final design and programming.

Several commissioners emphasized neighborhood workshops and community engagement before determining park amenities. A motion to acquire 108 S. Myrtle Avenue passed unanimously on roll call.

The commission directed staff to return later with community‑informed designs; commissioners noted the purchase does not lock in details such as dog‑only use or changes to playground access without further deliberation.