I have owned a home in DeBary since 2002. In 2011, we ventured off and purchased another home in Pinehurst, North Carolina. I have watched the slow growth of DeBary over the years. There are many attributes in DeBary that could make this community stand out. Unfortunately, I get the feeling that ideas are scattered, at best. I would like to propose my thoughts. I brought these matters up years ago, but would like to try again in hopes that someone might take an interest.
I am not sure if you have ever been to Pinehurst, North Carolina. If not, a short trip out there in the spring, summer, etc. might give you some insight into my suggestions.
1. The town is small. There are several garden groups that all work together to make the area beautiful. The Pinehurst Country Club is probably the center of the community, but there are two small villages within 25 minutes. There is also a train station in Southern Pines, NC which is one of the Villages. The area where the train station is located (Southern Pines) has tree lines streets with small, individually owned businesses and small locally owned restaurants. People come from all over to these small shops, via train or car. THE MAIN THEME THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITIES IS CONTINUITY. ALL CANOPIES OVER THE WINDOWS ARE DARK GREEN (STANDARD) FLOWER POTS ARE EVERYWHERE, HANGING OR BESIDES THE BUSINESSES. These flowerpots are filled by local garden clubs. ( a small Village concept could be done on the corner of 17-92 and Dirksen. It is ideal. (see attached) Coordination could be made with the Gateway Arts Center to have Art Shows along the streets, small cafes, small individually owned businesses with a paved street down the center. It doesn’t have to be big. It has to be well done.
2. The same is done with the Village of Pinehurst. The Garden Clubs, each year, has a plant sale. The monies they make from the plant sales goes to the planting of flowers, pots etc in the Village. All pots are filled in unison – beautifully done. The Garden Club plants all the flowers. There is one coordinator that completes the project. DeBary has these beautiful large pots. The plantings should be uniform and lush and done by a local Garden Club. The DeBary Country Club would be a great place to start – trying to get people organized to start a local Garden Club responsible for the plantings of these pots.
3. When you drive down 17-92 there is an array of canopies on these buildings, hundreds of different colors. I would suggest a standard that these businesses should be held two. (Dark Green canopies or some other color but all to be the same. The colors of the buildings should be a certain color combination – giving them four or five choices all that are compatible.
4. Businesses that line 17-92, in my opinion, be made to line their parking lots with planters of scrubs, hiding the parking lot from visibly being seen from the road. It is all about curb appeal. It doesn’t take a lot, it just takes a little continuity from the City
DeBary has a lot of attributes:
Train
Mall within a short distance
Family owned businesses
New theatre within a short distance
Access to I-4
A reasonable distance to Orlando and activities
In my opinion, the key to making DeBary a great place is take what is here here and enhance it. Small, individually owned businesses will want to come here. You have the attributes, make it visually appealing.
I am sure you get several letters from residents. I am in hopes that mine stands out and some attention is given to it. I would be happy to meet with you. I look forward to hearing from you.
Angela
PS - your email address is undeliverable as is the City Manager
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