Daytona Beach Shores commission waives residency rule, reappoints Desai to Planning and Zoning Board

The City Commission of Daytona Beach Shores voted to waive residency requirements and reaffirm Mr. Desai as a regular member of the Planning and Zoning Board, the mayor announced.

Madam Mayor said, “It is in the best interest of the city to waive the residency requirements and appoint Mister Desai,” noting that Mr. Desai owns local lodging properties and has served on the planning and zoning board for over three years. Officials cited his business ownership — identified in meeting materials as including Shoreline All Suites Inn and Cabana Colony — and his reported operation of a 30-unit Florida lodging facility as practical experience related to land use and local economic conditions.

An unidentified commissioner suggested a revised motion to reaffirm Mr. Desai’s membership on the board “based on the following findings,” specifically that the commission find it in the city’s best interest to waive residency requirements and that Mr. Desai is a real property owner within city limits. An unidentified commissioner then moved the amended language and the vice mayor seconded the motion.

During public comment, Harry Jennings opposed the reappointment of a nonresident. Jennings said, “I protest the appointment of a non citizen to a city board,” arguing that residents who live in and patronize the community are better positioned to understand local issues. The mayor also noted that city staff had confirmed the businesses in question pay substantial property taxes to Daytona Beach Shores.

After the public comment period, the mayor announced the vote result: “And this passes 5-0.” The chair then welcomed Mr. Desai as a permanent member of the Planning and Zoning Board.

The commission then moved to a related agenda item concerning the reaffirmation of another board member.