I read the editorial titled “Congratulations, West Volusia!” I write to share my thoughts on the opportunity to further recognize the importance of DeLand’s historic Black community, and the business, social and religious contributions to DeLand.
The current boundary of the Downtown Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) excludes much of the historic Yemassee area, an area centered around Voorhis, Euclid, Garfield and Boston avenues, an area that contains some of the oldest buildings (1890s through 1920s) associated with the city’s Black residential neighborhoods.
Yes, the CRA and the city are now planning on spending approximately $1.5 million on streetscape enhancements for two blocks of Voorhis Avenue from Woodland Boulevard to Clara Avenue South. However, this commitment does not actually address the need to recognize the historic Black business neighborhood.