NSB land-use regulations draw ire of longstanding West Canal resident Lois Tipton

NSBNEWS.net photo by Sera King. Lois Tipton, one of the oldest residents of West Canal Street in New Smyrna Beach, told city commissioners Tuesday she's concerned labeling her neighborhood as historic could limit her ability to sell her property if she so desires.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Lois Tipton could care less that city commissioners say she lives in a beautiful home with historic character. She wants the freedom to be able t sell it some day without fear she won't be able to get a buyer because of land restrictions.

That's because the city broke ground two weeks ago on its $2 million streetscape project for West Canal Street, between U.S. 1 and Myrtle Street.

"Your house is so beautiful," Commissioner Lynne Plaskett told Tipton in a tone she took as patronizing. So Tipton shot back: "No it isn't. It's old. My house is not histoic. It's 98 years old. My father built it."

Tipton spoke up during a discussion about resytricting used car lots along east and west Canal intersecting with U.S. 1, considered the gateway to the seaside city.

Mayor Sally Mackay said there would be no action on restrictive zoning until the streetscape is much further along.