The Changing Face of Titusville

Council approves Willow Creek, Rio Del Sol projects

FROM STAFF REPORTS

Sign for proposed 100-foot Rio Del Sol condominium project sits on riverfront property along U.S. 1.

      In a marathon session on February 10, Titusville City Council approved several agenda items that will change the face of the city, hopefully, for the better. Those with the biggest impact are Willow Creek and Rio Del Sol. After much debate, they tabled the Dairy Park development until Feb. 24.
      Dairy Park, located southwest of the intersection of Dairy Road and Singleton Avenue, was described as a project similar to Park Villas, a low-to-mid-income housing project filled to only 65 percent of its capacity.
      Councilman Jeff Rainey, a proponent of affordable housing for working families, pointed out that these are not "Section 8" Federal housing, but a State of Florida subsidized program for families earning $25-30,000. The facilities also provide job training, literacy training, etc., and have guidelines for conduct and responsibilities for the tenants.
      "It's not a permanent solution, but is there to help families over the hump," is how Rainey put it.
      Some residents were concerned with school overcrowding at Astronaut High School and Madison Middle School. The Council, at first, approved the project by a 3-2 margin, But Rainey recalled the motion under "Rule 13," and the project was tabled until Feb. 24, for further discussion.
      Under Robert's Rules, after a motion is carried anyone who voted for it may move for "reconsideration" of that motion–and another vote on it. That's what Council calls "Rule 13," and is what happened here. Councilman Rainey originally asked to table the motion, but no one on Council seconded that motion. He then voted "aye." It passed 3-2, but he then moved to reconsider it, and eventually to table it. This way it wasn't "thrown out with the bath water," and may be voted on at a later session after certain questions on it are clarified. A cagey move by Councilman Rainey that allows for more study instead of rushing into an area where citizens have legitimate concerns.
      Rio Del Sol, a proposed 120-foot condo tower on the river at U.S. 1 and Coquina Avenue, ran into trouble when residents complained, among other things, about the practice of including "submerged lands" for density consideration.
      Titusville has an existing height limitation on new buildings of 50-feet, but once an exception is made, it gets easier and easier to grant exemptions to other projects. What started out as a one-time exemption now becomes a "precedent."
      Titusville Towers, in downtown, was a perfectly good project, an adult residence that was granted an exemption. Who could oppose helping the elderly? But that opened the door to other "deserving" projects. The old Board of Education property in downtown received its exemption from the 50-foot limit. Now it's a condo just north of Cheney Highway asking for exemption to the 50-foot rule.
      Vice-mayor Ken Ward proposed to let one 100-foot building go up instead of two at 50-feet in exchange for preserving views of the river through wrought-iron fences and breezeways instead of solid walls, and that was what was finally approved–but not without angry public comments.
      "It's on an inhuman scale!"
      "It just doesn't fit!"
      "What's the difference between 120-feet and 100-feet? It just isn't compatible!"
      But an attorney for the developer pointed out that there will be 258-feet of unobstructed views of the river from US-1, and he agreed, on his client's behalf, to reduce the plan from 120-feet to the 100-foot level, so Council finally approved it.
      Willow Creek is an up-scale development planned for 672 acres west of Grissom Parkway to SR-407, south of Sheppard Drive to I-95 and Port St. John.
      This is a project that's been in the works for several years, and one where the developer has worked closely with city staff to come up with a "developer's agreement," a detailed, multi-phase (7-10 years) plan, spelling out exactly what is to be done on the property, and what improvements the developer is responsible for (like widening Grissom Parkway). This has never been tried in Titusville before.
      In speaking about the development agreement, Councilman Conrad Eigenmann stated, "This is a milestone for us."
      Willow Creek, as now envisioned, will consist of 1,277 total homes that the developer agrees to limit to less than two units per acre. There will be a variety of housing, described as cottage homes, executive homes, estate homes, club homes, as well as duplexes and town houses. It was likened to the already existing La Cita development.
      Plans also include landscaped boulevards, up to 200 acres of undeveloped land or open spaces, a central park area for residents, as well as a commercial area on Grissom Parkway.
      Still, the project has its critics. Actually, there were more non-residents complaining than Titusville residents, but that's what public hearings are for.
      Some from Port St. John were concerned about scrub-jay habitat, school funding and traffic on Grissom and on SR-407 at Sheppard, and some Windover Farm residents voiced concerns about airplane noise and height limitations on the approach to Space Coast Regional Airport, as well as conservation.
      City Attorney Dwight Severs pointed out that all these concerns were anticipated and addressed by city staff in working on the developer's agreement prior to the hearings. In the end, Willow Creek was approved.
      Both Willow Creek and Rio Del Sol will affect the character of Titusville for years to come.

Downtown coordinator hired, CRA merchants meet

Nora Drown

      The historic downtown area of Titusville has been undergoing dramatic changes during the last few years. Historic buildings are being renovated, waterfront property is being developed, and new businesses are popping up everywhere.
      Titusville's Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) has partnered with the Titusville Area Chamber of Commerce in a five-year plan to organize the downtown area, and promote the redevelopment district–an area which encompasses its southern border of Bayview St. north to the Titusville Yacht Basin, and from the Indian River west to the FEC Railroad tracks.
      In this agreement, the Chamber was required to provide a staff position dedicated solely to supporting the downtown district. "We're leveraging the capability of the Chamber in the fact that they're there to fulfill a city need instead of hiring a city employee that wouldn't have the same kind of support structure–and even skill mix–that the Chamber has," said CRA member, (and downtown business owner), Jim Ball.
      In an effort to organize more downtown events, create a "Downtown Association" and/or Main St. Association, apply for grants, and do other fund raising to support the needs of the association, Nora Jean Drown has been hired as the Chamber's new Downtown Coordinator. And, she's already hard at work.
      On January 29, Drown and Marcia Gaedcke, President of the Chamber, hosted the first gathering of CRA merchants and property owners in the Fellowship Hall of First United Methodist Church, 206 S. Hopkins Ave. An informal, organizational meeting, many downtown merchants and property owners attended, voicing their opinions, ideas and thoughts on the future revitalization–and marketing–of the CRA district.
      Motorcycle shows during Bike Week, in-water boat shows and outdoor movies were a few of the event ideas mentioned.
      Becoming a "Main St. Association" and re-routing U.S. 1 were also discussed. (At the Feb. 10 CRA meeting Councilman Chris Broome motioned for city staff to look into the latter idea further.)
      A formal group with "By-Laws" and a Board of Directors will soon be developed for the association, and approved by the general membership and the CRA committee.
      The next meeting will be held Wednesday, Feb. 25, at 6:30 p.m.

LaGrange Church Founders' Celebration

      You are invited to join in the celebration of Christian music and the dedication of a grave marker for Mr. & Mrs. Tom Johnson Cockshutt, founders of the historic LaGrange Community Church and Cemetery in 1869, at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21.
      A music program, "For the Love of Gospel Music," will be performed by Ron Sample, Christian music songwriter and musician from Nashville. Songs are from his latest CD entitled "Footsteps," which features Historic LaGrange Community Church on the CD jacket and will be available for purchase at program conclusion.
      The marker is a loving gift from: The LaGrange Carolers; Mr. George C. Harmon; Mr. & Mrs. A. Titcomb and Friends of LaGrange.
      The LaGrange Community Church and Cemetery is located at 1575 Old Dixie Hwy., 3 miles north of Titusville, off U.S. 1, just north of Dairy Rd.
      For more information, call Roz Foster at 267-4480 or Peg Boshara, 268-3384.

KALEIDOSCOPE

Trampoline needed to view river over tower

By FRED KRUPSKI

      Developers of Rio Del Sol, the proposed luxury condo to be located at the junction of Coquina Ave. and U.S. 1, are shaking their collective heads over the ping-pong political diplomacy and various machinations of the ongoing and tedious marathon discussions by the five men who share the dais at City Council chambers.
      The project, called everything from a boon for the local economy (if passed) or a "no brainer" (if passed) by its advocates and critics has caused some members of Council to take off the gloves and come out swinging. Comments and suggestions ranged from the sublime to the absurd as Council attempted to mollify neighboring residents and provide a solution to the quandary.
      Some Titusvillans protest that the building is totally out of kilter with the surrounding structures and would look as out of place as the Pope at a Bar Mitzvah. Others have no objection, understanding that Washington Avenue could never become a Cocoa Beach because there simply isn't the space on the east side of the highway for the city to put more than a couple of mid-size condos on–if that many.
      I think that calling a 10- or 12-story building a "high-rise" is a bit of a stretch, unless those making the description never left Kansas.
      So what is this new proposal, designed to mollify its critics–including the owner of the new Casa Coquina Bed & Breakfast, just a pitching wedge away at 4010 Coquina Ave.–going to accomplish?
      Zilch!
      Concerned over the meaning of "breezeway" and what one can see, or can't see, facing east from U.S. 1, Vice-mayor Ken Ward, in an act of skillful negotiation, or cunning chicanery, decided to call a bluff, which by its sheer duplicity and timing caused a stunned silence (for a brief period) while his fellow councilmen attempted to unravel his intentions.
      Actually, it was quite good and managed to put both sides of the argument between the proverbial rock and hard place. The Logic: Since, by its own laws, Titusville would have to approve a height of 50 feet anyway, Ward proposed that Council consider approving building two (that's in 2) buildings 50-feet tall instead of one (as in 1) 10 or 12 stories. I'm still not sure which height yet.
      What to do, what to do...?
      You see where this is going now?
      Good, because Councilman Conrad Eigenmann doesn't quite see it yet, but suspects he might have been sandbagged. Watching some of the expressions on the faces of Ward's partners in crime, I thought about Ronald Reagan's remark when told about an attack on Iraq by Israeli fighters: "By golly, what do you suppose is behind that?"
      Back to the owner of Casa Coquina, who has a legitimate beef.
      It is axiomatic that–one way or another–this condo is going to be built. Should it be one building, which will block a small portion of the view of the river from, the bed and breakfast, or two, which will obstruct much more?
      This proposal of Ward's (one of the sharpest councilmen) reminds me of the guy who said to his wife as she came out of the bathroom on their wedding night wearing a Fredericks of Hollywood nightie, "I can see through your subterfuge," to which she replied, "You should. It's thin enough."
      If some of you readers have no idea what I'm talking about, you should turn your TV remote to the local Government Channel. It's a political sitcom that should not be missed, if only for its entertainment value. However, since these meetings, that begin at 6:30 p.m. on alternate Tuesdays often last far beyond the time that Cinderella lost her slipper, I suggest you catch one of the many re-runs during the day while you're awake.
      Trust me...you can't fall asleep.

Headphone transmissions getting more bizarre

      More from Mars?
      Well, not yet anyway.
      But, I suspect the Doppler effect is one of the culprits involved in some recent receptions on my RCA headset. What has been happening since I first reported the strange messages I've been getting on my headphones since the last edition is becoming akin to "Ripley's Believe It Or Not."
      One day, while watching and listening to the TV (I think it was Monk, which I love, understanding obsessive compulsive behavior), it was interrupted by a phone conversation taking place between my wife, Sue, and her friend, Marge. Sue was in another room when it happened. I lost the sound on Monk but clearly heard every word the girls were saying.
      Figure that out!
      Another evening, I had the things on and was shocked when I turned off the TV and still received the sound. How could that be? The damn thing was disconnected and I was receiving a signal...sound wave...something.
      The strangest time when the occurrence of these signals become loud and clear is between 10:30 p.m. and 6 a.m. Although–to throw you a curve–it was in the early afternoon when Sue's phone conversation broke into the mix.
      When I get a chance I'm going to run up to Radio Shack and ask one of the nerds what the hell is going on. There doesn't appear to be a pattern on all of this, which eliminates the rational conclusions one could draw from the evidence I've given so far.
      I know that this newspaper has a large readership profile from the folks across the river at NASA, and I'm hoping that I'll hear from someone who has some kind of explanation.
      I'm starting to become a driveling imbecile and, before it drive me completely nuts, I need to have an answer.
      If not, I'm going to donate them to the North Brevard Charities Sharing Center and drive somebody else bonkers.
      Either that or I wont use them with the same frequency.
      Excuse the bad pun.

IT'S MY TURN

By BOB SOCKS

What's the Problem with Growth?

      Growth is coming to our town. After almost three decades of near zero population growth, Titusville is beginning to spread its wings and soar.
      Listening to the naysayers at the City Council meeting on Tuesday evening, February 10, a listener would get the impression that the sky was falling and the poor City of Titusville was going to run out of money, out of water, the schools would be over-crowded immediately, airplanes would fall out of the sky, and all is not well in our little burg.
      Nothing could be further from the truth. The 6,000 or so living units (houses, apartments, condos, patio homes, town houses) are in the planning stages, permitting stages, or in the early part of site work. It will be a number of years before they are all completed. Many of the housing units will be occupied by seniors and baby boomers who will bring with them lots of money and a more up-beat lifestyle than many here are accustomed to. More restaurants, shopping, cultural events, art galleries, and educational opportunities will arise.
      The attitude I heard at the council meeting was that those that spoke "had theirs," but they didn't want new people to have theirs.
      That's not the way it works in America. Planned growth is the responsibility of our elected officials. I feel confident they will do their job in a most satisfactory manner. As schools are needed, they will be built. As roads need to be widened, it will happen.
      I know change is difficult for many people to accept, but change is coming to Titusville. Our housing prices are very low in comparison to other areas, and that one fact is the reason Titusville will finally realize its full potential.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

High-rise condos on the riverfront?

      Do people of Titusville really want our beautiful riverfront covered with condos, some over 100 feet tall? City Council has already approved three of these, and another, the old Howard Johnson property, is under consideration.
      I am particularly concerned about the project approved on the river at South U.S. 1 and Coquina Ave. This 100 ft., 10-story building is being squeezed on a piece of property which is very narrow. The setbacks from the river and U.S. 1 barely meet requirements.
      Stormwater is being contained under the building and many traffic and safety issues are questionable. We need to challenge this decision, so this type of development is stopped. Please call me at 383-0882 with your opinion.
      Bob Snider
      Titusville

Blounts Ridge road blunder

      Blounts Ridge Road was a short 1.3 miles County Road in North Brevard that the residents who live on it have been trying to get paved by the County for years. (15 that I can remember).
      Well, the last quarter of 2003 it was finally paved. The County awarded the contract and the company that did the work did a beautiful job!
      So why do I refer to it as a blunder you ask?
      Blounts Ridge Road connects to Aurantia Road. Aurantia Road is a main road that leads to an area called Hog Valley. There used to be a railroad spur that crossed Aurantia Road and runs next to Blounts Ridge Road. Apparently there is an FEC (Florida East Coast Railroad) right of way that the County says they can't use because the FEC won't give them the right of way. So, our newly paved road, probably a half million-dollar project, stops 100 feet short of connecting to Aurantia Road. It remains dirt, because the County and the FEC won't play well with each other.
      I have personally spoken to both sides. The County is telling me the FEC is stringing me along, and the representatives from FEC, always polite and showing interest, tell me they will look into it.
      The County should be totally embarrassed that they could not work out an agreement with the FEC to complete the connecting 100 feet of the project. Right now, we have a sign that says "Pavement Ends 500 Feet," and it does!
      What a disgrace!
      Ronald Gross
      Mims

Writers spark interest in paper

      I am subscribing to your newspaper because you have a couple of interesting writers.
      Ilene Davis is correct about a number of financial issues and her examples are easy to follow.
      Bob Socks also writes an interesting column. He is well informed on the "goings on" in the community.
      On occasion, however, they are both wrong, and it will be fun to read about what your readers find and comment on.
      N.W. Murphy
      Merritt Island

BUSINESS BRIEFS

By BOB SOCKS

Titusville Business License Report - January 2004

      Total licenses issued: 31
Breakdown as follows:

• Home Based Business - 15
• Retail Sales - 1
• Auto Sales - 1
• Massage Therapy - 1
• Rental/Retail - 1
• Storage Warehouse - 1
• Towing Co. - 1
• Retail Upholstery - 1
• Beauty Shop - 2
• Glass/Glazing Contractor - 1
• Lawn Maintenance - 1
• Special Events - 1
• Modeling School - 1
• General Contractor - 1
• Outpatient Counseling - 1
• Art Gallery - 1

Brevard County Economic Report - January 2004

• Present Employment – 206,085
  Down -0.62% from a year ago
• Tourism Taxes – $588,985
  3.96% increase from a year ago
• Electric Meters – 238,410
  3.14% increase from a year ago
• Residential building permits – 578 permits pulled
  32.2% increase from a year ago.

Orlando-Sanford Intl. Airport

      A year ago, things weren't looking up for OSIA. Passenger traffic was on the decline, largely because of the departure of Vacation Express, which served the Caribbean, and PAN AM Airways. But the airport that had carved its niche in international charters bounced back, adding more than a dozen routes to smaller, mostly domestic markets. PAN AM returned after a brief hiatus, and Vacation Express plans to resume service in April.
      Growth at the airport isn't limited to the number of people passing through the terminals. Last year, almost 20 businesses moved into the airport's commerce park, up from 15 the previous year, for a total of 85 businesses. More than 4,700 people work on airport property. Officials expect that number to swell to 21,000 by 2021.

Domestic Passenger Traffic:

• January 2004 – 55,951
• January 2003 – 19,461
• An increase of 187.5 percent.

International Passenger Traffic:

• January 2004 – 32,084
• January 2003 – 18,295
• An increase of 75.4% percent

Best Western purchase complete

      Congratulations to Carol Lee–new owner of Best Western Space Shuttle Inn Kennedy Space Center in Titusville.
      Lee has been operating the hotel since November 1999 on a lease-purchase agreement. She has been associated with the Best Western International hotel brand since 1972. Lee is a district governor of Best Western International and vice president of Best Western Global Marketing Group.
      Each Best Western property is independently owned and operated.
      Best Western Space Shuttle Inn Kennedy Space Center features 129 guest rooms and a Durango Steakhouse and Lounge. More information is available at www.spaceshuttleinn.com, or by calling 800-523-7654.

Do you own a condo?

      Condominium resales surged 9.5% to a record 898,000 in 2003 from the year before, the National Association of Realtors reported. The median price soared 15.2% to $163,800, meaning half sold for more, and half for less.
      There will continue to be a strong market for condos as the first of the baby boomers retire and seem to want a simple lifestyle where they can lock the door and leave, knowing their condo will be maintained by their association.

This 'n' That

      The "Store Closing" sign has gone up on the Office Max store on Garden St. Sources close to the store tell me they are liquidating the entire inventory over the next month or so and will close the store at that time.
      Word on the street is that the new WalMart on Garden St. will take the place of the Hwy. 50 location. The Hwy. 50 WalMart will be turned into a Sam's Club. WalMart officials are so satisfied with the WalMart in Titusville that they feel confident that one store will not compete with the other.
      Michael's East Side Bistro closed recently, but will be re-opened as Pasquale's Bistro on March 13. The owner, a gourmet chef with the Debus Center on Kennedy Space Center property, will be assisted by the catering director from the same venue. Prices will be moderate and the restaurant will be a bistro form of dining.
      The new Bruster's ice cream store on Hwy. 50, across from K-Mart, finally opened at 11 a.m. Monday. Congratulations...

How does your home compare?

      I thought you might be interested to read about the Siegel family home, to be constructed in the Windemere area in Southwest Orange County. When completed, the Lake Butler Sound residence–referred to by the Siegel's as a chateau–will be the largest single-family home in Florida at more than 88,000 square feet.
      The grand foyer alone could hold a typical 3,000-square-foot home. The garage will be able to accommodate 11 vehicles.
      For recreation, the home will have multiple media centers and theaters, two bowling alleys, tennis courts, a boathouse, a full-size baseball/softball field, a 3,500 square-foot pool and a 400 square foot relaxation pool.
      Construction will require 615 tons of structural steel and 3,200 cubic yards of concrete. Some 3,522 panes of glass will be used for the home's doors and windows.
      David Siegel is in the timeshare business.

By DIANNE SIMMONS

Stop in The Gaslight Mall at Creativity Unlimited and welcome the newest member of the "Gaslight Gang," award winning decorative artist Mary Ann Morris.
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Custom Decor always has blinds on sale up to 70% off retail price. Check out their specials.
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Be sure and use New China Buffet's coupon from this issue and receive $5 off your take-out order with a purchase of over $25.
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Don't miss the movie "Coyote Ugly" at Bon John's Robin's Nest Lounge on Saturday, Feb. 28. Afterwards, The party begins at 9 p.m., right after the movie! See their ad for details.
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Show Time Deli will be having live music regularly starting March 5th. See their ad for their entertainment schedule. Also, stop in and find out about their "Surf Fest" party slated for April 3rd.
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Do you or a family member need home medical equipment? Visit House of Care to see what's available.
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Call Star Dance Academy for free February classes in all types of dancing.
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Be sure to check out Floor Factory Outlet's ad for carpet and flooring specials.
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Jo Lowery & Gwen Donnelly, new owners of Angeleigh's, located at 1538 Garden St., has the largest selections of dance, cheer, gymnastics and workout wear for adults and children. Stop in and check it out!
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J & M Auto Glass & Seat Covers specializes in electric window repairs. Plus, they repair upholstery, headliners, and carpet.
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Check out Ace Hardware's ad for Paintball specials. They also have other paintball items in stock.
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John Conrad's Pool Supply has everything you need to get your pool or spa in shape as quickly and effortlessly as possible. They also have games, toys, and floats available.
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      The Titusville Area Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Inflatable Smiles invites you to attend their first annual "Jumping for Joy"–a kid's free fun day at Space View Park at the east end of Broad St. in Titusville. They will be doing this event on March 6, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
      The park will be filled with inflatable bounces and a trackless fire engine ride for kids of all ages. In addition, booths will be available for parents providing information related to kids' needs.
      Vendor spacing is still available through the Titusville Area Chamber of Commerce; contact Nora at 267-3036 if you would like to participate.
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