DeLand city commissioners are weighing the future of the former Volusia County jail at 130 W. New York Ave. in downtown DeLand. The building has sat vacant for years, with boarded windows and a weathered exterior that city leaders acknowledge has become an eyesore.
Options for the Property
Commissioners reviewed seven potential options for the Old Jail property and agreed to continue exploring two possibilities. One option would sell the property as-is, allowing a future buyer to either demolish the building or restore it. Commissioner Richard Paiva noted that renovation would likely come with significant challenges, including internal issues with asbestos.
The second option would transform the site into a civic gathering space that could host community events. Paiva described it as a town-square type of scenario, something that would be multipurpose and could be a location for community events.
Regardless of whether the jail is preserved or demolished, commissioners agreed that the property should become something that benefits the community for years to come. City staff will now further evaluate both options and are expected to return in the coming weeks with recommendations before the commission votes on how to move forward.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
