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Vote YES on the last two ballot items!

Paid for and approved by Citizens for Graceful Growth

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Revisiting the Past to Shape the Future

On November 5 there will be two referendums on the ballot related to increased density and transfer of development rights to create a more walkable, charming and vibrant downtown. 

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If you have not been closely following this initiative, you’ll find this website will help you get up to speed quickly.  Check out the News Tab and the Resources section to take a deep dive.  Watch Andres Duany’s final presentation and participate in the comments section, peruse the additional resources and watch the presentation given to Let’s Talk Vero by President and CEO of IRC Chamber of Commerce and former planning director for the City of Winter Park.

Below is a rough timeline for your ease of reference.

About

TIMELINE

This timeline encapsulates the key milestones and activities related to the Vero Beach downtown revitalization initiative, highlighting the collaborative efforts between city officials, urban planners, and community members to shape the future of the downtown walkable core.

 

 

2023: Downtown Master Plan Discussions Begin 

  • Early 2023: Vero Beach city officials begin discussions to revitalize the downtown area. The initial focus is on exploring options to make the area more attractive to residents, especially younger demographics. All council members are in favor of revitalization alongside community engagement.

 

January, 2024

  • January 25:  Ideas for Downtown (www.IdeasforDowntown) website launches.

  • January 28:  Downtown master plan initiative kickoff with presentation by Andres Duany to the Joint City Council and Planning Department. Ideas for Downtown charrette and workshop schedule announced for the week of February 5-9 at the Heritage Center. Click here to see Andres Duany’s observations.

  • January 29:  Mayor Cotugno issues letter to community announcing the Ideas for Downtown community education campaign, encouraging everyone to participate alongside Andres Duany, take surveys and get involved.

February 2024: Andres Duany's Involvement

  • February 5 to 9, 2024: Andres Duany kicks off the five-day public process at Heritage Center.  More than 200 community members attended opening night, and even more at closing presentation.

March through May

  • March 14: DPZ provides initial report to staff

  • April 1: DPZ provides revised draft

  • April 3: Staff comments back to DPZ

  • April 5: plan posted for public review and comments

  • April 18: DPZ presents to Planning & Zoning Board 

  • April 30: Draft report of Ideas for downtown Survey results complete

  • May 14: Presentation and council vote

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May 2024: Unveiling of the Master Plan

  • May 14, 2024: Andres Duany presents his findings and unveils a master plan to the Vero Beach city officials and the public. His plan emphasizes the development of more affordable studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments, as well as improving walkability, nightlife, and restaurant options. You may view the replay here (skip to 29:35).

June 2024: Public Enthusiasm and Council Support

  • June 2024: Following Duany's presentation, there is noticeable enthusiasm from both the public and the council members. City residents express their support during the public-comment segment of the city council meeting, encouraging the council to move forward with the proposed referendums.

  • June 13: special call meeting where council votes to adopt referendum language

  • June 17:  Jason Jeffries, Planning Director, presents the plan and answers questions at Let’s Talk Vero @ Riverside event.

  • June 25: Downtown master plan referendum language on the agenda (see replay of this meeting)​

July 2024: Referendums Proposed

  • July 2024: At the July 23 City Council meeting, Mayor John Cotugno proposes two citywide referendums to be placed on the November ballot. These referendums aim to increase residential density and allow property owners to transfer development rights specifically in the downtown core around 14th Avenue.

 

August 2024: Citizen and Chamber of Commerce Support

  • August 2024: Various community members and organizations pledge their support for the referendums:

    • T. P. Kennedy organizes a citizen-led initiative to educate the public about the plan. The group includes prominent local figures such as Tom Corr, III, Keith Drewett, Mike Fortunato, Chris Flaig, Mike Johannsen in partnership with dozens of community leaders.  

    • Dori Stone, President of the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce and former planning director for the City of Winter Park, expressed excitement and full support on behalf of her organization. 

November 2024: Election Day

  • November 2024: The two referendums are set to appear on the ballot on November 5. The outcome will determine whether Vero Beach can move forward with the proposed changes to its downtown area.

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