A 1.4 million-square-foot distribution center got the next step to approval in a Planning and Zoning Board meeting on September 18 when the board voted 6-1 to rezone an 85-acre piece of land for industrial development in the city of Deltona. 

An unknown company, due to a non-disclosure agreement, is planning to build the large facility near Interstate 4 and the 472. The site sits south of Graves Ave and west of North Normandy Boulevard, across from the Epic Theaters of West Volusia. 

According to a staff report, the facility would operate 24 hours and would include multiple cargo bays, ample drive aisles to accommodate truck ingress and egress, along with an area for the public to pick up and drop off merchandise. 

Currently, property tax figures on the piece of land generate $20,000 each year, but with improvements, that figure could rise to $950,000 in ad valorem revenue. In addition, the facility would create a lot of jobs and a positive economic boost to the city of Deltona. 

Residents and board members shared concerns, during the Board meeting, about the increase in traffic. An estimated 336 18-wheeler trips would be made to the facility each day. Some of the intersections and roadways surrounding the property are already unable to handle the current traffic load. Board members said it would take efforts at the local, state and federal level to fix the infrastructure. 

According to city officials, things are planning to move ahead quickly, with a possible groundbreaking in December. 

Regardless of who the company is, the new site is sure to add hundreds of jobs to the West Volusia area, making it a win-win.