The Village Improvement Association (VIA) was formed in 1906 by trustees F.W. Hatch and H.J. Maugruder. In that same year, F.W. Hatch donated land located at 146 U.S. Highway #1, and the iconic octagonal building known as the VIA Hall was built on that site.
In 1917 Joan Howes donated a property located at 126 East Halifax to the Village Improvement Association (VIA). This property is where the building currently resides. The land was deeded to the “the people” and was never to be sold.

It looks like the city has been collecting less for trash pick-up than they’ve been spending. According to our city accountant, they seem to have an $86,000 shortfall for 2023. The expense for the year was $302,000 while the “assessment revenue” was $216,000. At Monday’s meeting the commission will discuss our options to correct this shortcoming. I don’t think corrective action will have an impact until fiscal year 2025. I hope the loss for 2024 won’t be the same as 2023. If it is, that would mean that in those two fiscal years, the city paid $172,000 more than they collected for trash pick-up service.

The New Smyrna Beach Heritage Festival will be held on April 6, 2024. It looks like they will be holding the event on Sam’s Avenue and the surrounding parks. The Oak Hill Saints and Sinner’s Cemetery Group, spearheaded by Dru Ann Welch, will have a display set-up outlining all that has been accomplished and all they hope to accomplish in the future. Dru Ann and her crew have been doing a fantastic job cleaning and restoring these two historic cemeteries back to their rightful state. The effort put forth by this group should inspire us all and instill a sense of pride in our community.

Turnout at the January 24, 2024 workshop for the Indian Harbor Estates sewer project was incredible. Inside the commission chambers, it was standing room only. Dozens of concerned residents had to stand outside and listen over a loudspeaker. Key speakers at the event included Michael Ulrich, who is Director of Volusia County Water Resources and Utilities, Oak Hill City Engineer Brad Blais of Mead & Hunt, and Oak Hill City Attorney Scott Simpson. Citizens had many questions, most of which were answered at the meeting.

Turnout at the January 24, 2024 workshop for the Indian Harbor Estates sewer project was incredible. Inside the commission chambers, it was standing room only. Dozens of concerned residents had to stand outside and listen over a loudspeaker. Key speakers at the event included Michael Ulrich, who is Director of Volusia County Water Resources and Utilities, Oak Hill City Engineer Brad Blais of Mead & Hunt, and Oak Hill City Attorney Scott Simpson. Citizens had many questions, most of which were answered at the meeting.

At the Monday, January 22, 2024, City Commissioner’s meeting the commission will vote on the “Oak Hill Subdivision” development plan. The report also says “As proposed, the project is consistent with the existing single family residential nature in the City.” I don’t know of any subdivision in our city that has a 40-foot wide lot size, do you?

The city has no obligation to grant a zoning change to any property from which it is currently zoned on the city’s comprehensive plan, future land use map. Granting a zoning change is done voluntarily by the city commission. They usually do it because they think it is in the best interest of community.

During the citizens’ non-agenda items portion of the November 27, City Commission meeting, Neil Bond, from Indian Mound Fish Camp, began speaking about Waste-Pro, and issues related to trash pickup. Mayor Gibson pointed out that Waste-Pro was currently on the agenda to be talked about later in the meeting. Mr. Bond’s response to the mayor was to disclose that he had filled out the city required form to speak at a meeting, but was never given the chance to speak. He said he was concerned about that and didn’t want to risk that happening again, especially about a subject that is so important to the day-to-day operations of the fish camp. The mayor apologized to Mr. Bond and allowed him to proceed.

Volusia Transform386 for example, was suggested as a potential source of funding. For more information click here to read my August 7, 2023 newsletter, or here to read my August 19, 2023  newsletter. As far as I know, out city has made no effort to secure any of these funds.

Veteran’s Day – I hope everyone is having a great weekend. Please take a moment to reflect upon the commitment and sacrifice our great servicemen and women made for this great country. Citizen turnout at our commission meetings has been amazing, thank you all for supporting our city. Your participation is essential to its health and well-being and it’s having an impact.