Editor, The Beacon:

As a lifelong resident of DeLand, having called this beautiful town home since February 1970, it pains me deeply to witness the rapid and often reckless development reshaping our city and the surrounding unincorporated areas of West Volusia. While we understand the necessity of growth, the manner in which it is being pursued threatens to destroy the rural charm and close-knit community that make DeLand so special.

I am particularly disheartened by the proliferation of developments featuring 35-foot-wide lots, cramming as many homes as possible into small spaces. Where are the backyards where children can play, families can gather for quiet barbecues, and neighbors can connect? These overcrowded designs sacrifice the very qualities that make neighborhoods livable and enjoyable.

Equally troubling is the County Council’s apparent disregard for the voices of its constituents. Time and again, we’ve made our concerns clear: enough is enough. While it may be difficult to impose a complete moratorium on building, it is entirely within the council’s power to stop rezoning that enables these densely packed developments.

Why not meet us halfway? Require larger lot sizes — at least 75- to 100-feet wide and deep — to preserve some semblance of our rural character. Protect our trees from indiscriminate clear-cutting, and ensure that new construction respects the environment rather than erasing it.

The encroachment into so-called “transitional properties” with small lots, instead of the 2.5-, 5- and 10-acre properties that define our rural boundaries, exacerbates these issues. These larger lots serve as vital habitats for wildlife, providing safe havens amid growing urban areas. By replacing them with high-density developments, we are not only eroding our community’s rural character, but also endangering the biodiversity that contributes to DeLand’s natural beauty.

The devastating flooding caused by hurricanes Helene and Milton brought another issue into sharp focus. Poor drainage systems and a lack of thoughtful environmental planning exacerbated the destruction, displacing families and overwhelming infrastructure.

These disasters are stark reminders that our current path is unsustainable, and yet the County Council continues to “kick the can down the road.” Council meetings often end with delays and excuses rather than meaningful action to address these pressing concerns.

Moreover, developers must be held accountable for the consequences of their projects. Proper drainage systems should be a nonnegotiable requirement, with contracts ensuring they bear responsibility and liability for failures. It’s time to prioritize long-term sustainability over short-term profits.

I implore the County Council to put the people of DeLand first. Listen to the voices of those who have lived here for decades, who cherish our town’s history and beauty, and who want to ensure its future remains as bright as its past. We must strike a balance between progress and preservation. Let’s protect what makes DeLand unique before it’s too late.

Sincerely,

Tod Sutherland

DeLand