New Smyrna Beach expands conservation efforts, acquires 7.04 acres.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

In a unanimous decision, the New Smyrna Beach City Commissioners voted 5-0 during their regular meeting on September 26 to acquire 7.04 acres of undeveloped land along Turnbull Creek, bringing the city's total conserved acreage to an impressive 170 acres since conservation initiatives commenced in late 2018.

The tract of land, situated north of Paige Avenue and east of Corbin Park, had been independently appraised at values of $387,000 and $362,300. However, property owners Freddie and Johanna Bowlin willingly agreed to sell the lots to the city for $300,000.

Mayor Fred Cleveland raised a question regarding the favorable pricing during the briefing on the agreement by Assistant City Manager Ronald Neibert, who responded by quoting Mr. Bowlin, "Well, Mr. Bowlin is a nice gentleman. He said, ‘You know what? I could probably get more if I sold it to a developer, but I want to keep my house here, and I do not want anything around it, so I want to sell it to you folks.'"

Out of the $15,000,000 approved by 75% of voters in 2018 to safeguard water quality, wildlife habitat, and natural areas along Turnbull Creek, approximately $6,000,000 remains allocated to acquire land zoned for development and preserve it for conservation purposes.

Aside from a planned observation deck that still needs to be built, where the creek converges with a multi-use trail near Holland Park at 357 Otter Boulevard, the city has no intention of utilizing the acquired properties for recreational purposes. The focus is on minimizing maintenance costs and environmental impact.

Residents owning property within the Turnbull Creek study area, depicted in red on the attached map, and interested in participating in this conservation program by selling their land are encouraged to reach out to Assistant City Manager Ronald Neibert at rneibert@cityofnsb.com or call 386-410-2612.