Until now, DeBary has been the most disappointing SunRail station.
Even though Monday to Friday DeBary station – the only SunRail station in Volusia County -- typically has more boardings than almost any other station in the SunRail system it’s mainly just a big parking lot. Mind you, SunRail began operations in DeBary 4 years ago.
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| What DeBary could look like |
Other than a no-name convenience store, and a few auto repair shops there is nothing at the DeBary station even though it was envisioned as the poster-child for Transportation Oriented Development (TOD).
Click here to see this TOD animation of the DeBary station that was created for the Florida Department of Transportation.
But don’t blame FDOT for DeBary’s failure to flourish. The state gave the local governments the freedom to lead the TOD effort at the stations and many cities, such as Lake Mary, Longwood and others have done an outstanding job.
Heck, even Osceola County -- which won’t get SunRail service until the end of this month -- has done a magnificent job with housing and even a medical center built close to the Tupperware/Osceola Parkway station.
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| What DeBary looks like today |
But there is some hope for DeBary. We reached out to DeBary City Hall to find out what’s taking so long.
Roger Van Auker, TOD Marketing Director and Economic Development Director for the City of DeBary responded with these written comments: "The City of DeBary has been careful with the development of our SunRail area, we have engaged professionals, studied the market and are now implementing a plan that we believe will be sustainable and will enhance the quality the lives of our citizens now and the next generations.
"DeBary has several developments about to break ground near and within our Transit Oriented Development District,
"Integra 289 Exchange is about to break ground on 289 units luxury apartments all the permitting is complete and ready to go ( hope to schedule groundbreaking in the next 2 weeks), we have a 700-unit planned unit development processing which is within a half mile from the train station. This development will primarily consist of townhomes and detached single-family homes connected via trail system and roadway network to the train station and to the two regional trail networks that traverse our TOD district and Gemini Springs Park, this development should break ground in approximately 9 months.
"The City is working with another developer in the planning process for another 50 plus acres in the TOD area, this development will feature high-density single family homes, commercial out parcels, grocer locations, parks and open space along with entertainment every area connected via trails, paths, and walkways, this development will break ground in approximately 9-10 months.
"The City of DeBary has entitled approximately 2,000 home sites in and around the TOD area these will all have a significant impact on the SunRail ridership, national builders are already building on many of these sites.
"People are discovering DeBary and what we have to offer."
Good to know, DeBary. What took you guys so long?
In general, SunRail service in Volusia County has been disappointing.
It’s a shame that DeBary is the only SunRail station in Volusia, even though a second station was proposed for DeLand, the county seat.
Many in Volusia are rightfully upset that DeLand station has not become a reality because there is no money available from the feds to get the job done.
Hopefully, serious development in DeBary will help get DeLand back on track.
See you on The Rail.
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