ORMOND BEACH, Fla. — Residents and city leaders are upset over proposed plans to build a new fuel terminal in Ormond Beach.
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The entire city commission and mayor in Ormond Beach have already expressed opposition to the proposed fuel tank terminal.
The site just off Hull Road near U.S. 1 will hold more than 20 million gallons of fuel. The land is technically county land and already zoned heavy industrial. That means as long as the company has the proper environmental permits in place, it can proceed with the project.
However, people who live around there said its proximity to businesses and homes is a concern.
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“This massive fuel depot could end up right on our doorstep, and I haven’t found anyone who favors that,” Mayor Bill Partington said.
He said the city is working on ways to stop the company, Belvedere Terminal, from coming to the area.
For neighbors, their biggest concerns are traffic, health and safety.
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“The location is surrounded by neighborhoods,” resident Robin Magleora said. “It is right next to our municipal airport, right next to our municipal sports complex – which is huge and thousands of children and adults are there on weekends at tournaments.”
The terminal will be used to load gasoline, diesel and ethanol into trucks to help strengthen the area’s supply.
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Mayor Partington said he understands the need, but believes a different location should be considered.
A special county meeting about the project is set for Wednesday.
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