Independent panel reviews potential development of massive tract
June 2, 2009
By Ludmilla Lelis, Staff Writer
Orlando Sentinel

NEW SMYRNA BEACH - A nine-member review panel, comprised of various experts in planning and development, offered some criticisms, as well as some improvements for the concepts guiding the future of one of the last major undeveloped tracts in Central Florida.

Miami Corp. owns 59,000 acres in central Volusia and Brevard counties, currently used for timber and hunting but the family controlling that property has a 50-year-long plan to preserve large wildlife corridors, while clustering denser homes with town centers.

Plans have the potential for more than 23,000 housing units in a city called Farmton. The project must pass several government hurdles in both Volusia and Brevard counties, as well as with state officials. Some of those panel reviews are scheduled for August and September.

On Tuesday, an independent panel, chaired by two former state Department of Community Affairs secretaries, evaluated the project at an all-day meeting held at the Daytona State College campus. Overall, the panel endorsed some of its key principles and made recommendations on how to improve and solidify those ideas.