NEW SMYRNA BEACH — Most will say it’s the renowned beaches or the arts-infused atmosphere that comes to mind at the mention of this Southeast Volusia city.
But among the beachside condos and frequent downtown festivals, golf courses and boat launches is a neighborhood struggling to deal with deteriorating buildings and lack of interest in investment to improve them.
Some public money has made it to the Historic Westside — an area that’s actually pretty close to the geographic center of town — for street improvements. But private money hasn’t followed, so far.