City of DeBary recognized for sustainability

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City of DeBary recognized for sustainability
PHOTO COURTESY CITY OF DEBARY<br> RECOGNIZED — DeBary Senior Planner Merylene Thomas, pictured here, was recognized as this year’s Florida Planning and Zoning Association’s Surfcoast Chapter Member of the Year. Thomas played a pivotal role in the city’s transit-oriented-development initiatives, its sustainability efforts and more. “These awards are a testament to our collective efforts to create a more resilient and sustainable community,” DeBary Mayor Karen Chasez said. “... I am thrilled to extend my congratulations to Ms. Thomas who continues to demonstrate the high level of excellence all our staff strive to achieve.”

The City of DeBary was recently recognized by the Florida Planning and Zoning Association’s Surfcoast Chapter for its efforts in preserving a 170-acre conservation area. The city’s work on Alexander Island won top honors as an Outstanding Sustainability Initiative at the FPZA Surfcoast Chapter’s annual gala held Dec. 8.

The Outstanding Sustainability Initiative is awarded to a project that is leading sustainability efforts within the area of Volusia and Flagler counties. Sustainability practices impact how places are planned, designed, built, used and maintained. Areas of concern in this category include energy use and efficiency, green infrastructure, resource conservation, transportation choices and impacts, compact development, diversity and revitalization.

Alexander Island was once a privately owned property that was slated for development, but the City of DeBary began exploring options to purchase and conserve the area in 2020. The city is now reviewing engineering designs that will allow it to safely open Alexander Island to the public and anticipates a grand opening in 2025.

— Compiled by Beacon staff. We want your business news! Send press releases with news items and photos to info@beacononlinenews.com.

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