Lights on the LOOP -- a holiday light tour
Light lovers will sit back and let the someone else do the driving to view holiday luminaries next month. The NSB Waterfront LOOP is offering free holiday light tours from 6:30-9:30 p.m., December 8, 15, and 22, in New Smyrna Beach. 'Lights on the LOOP' tours are 30-minute trips through the LOOP's business districts. This is the first time the CRA has offered holiday light tours. It is serving as a pilot program to build awareness of the LOOP. Tours are free, but seating is limited. Reservations are required. For reservations or more information, please call the New Smyrna Beach Recreation Department at 386.424.2175.

Habitat for Humanity partnership benefits homeowners
Four Mary Avenue homes will be the first to take advantage of a partnership formed between the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and Southeast Volusia Habitat for Humanity. The agencies have teamed their programs to benefit homeowners who want to improve their properties. Habitat's Brush with Kindness program is combined with two CRA programs - the Small-Scale Improvement Grant program and the Residential Improvement Grant program. As a result, homeowners will not be required to provide matching funds for eligible program expenditures. Up to $5,000 in grant funds are available. Specific eligibility requirements apply. Volunteer work is scheduled to begin in early December.

Hampton Inn Beachside
plans 'seasonal' opening
The LOOP soon will offer another lodging option for visitors in town for the holiday season. The three-story Hampton Inn Beachside is scheduled to open December 20 with 112 rooms. The project is the first significant hotel development in the City in more than 20 years. The CRA Master Plan Update (2010) contains recommendations for Flagler Avenue including that the CRA "continue to reinforce Flagler Avenue's niche as a resort and tourist destination" and "encourage new appropriately sized and scaled hotels."

When developers are issued a certificate of occupancy, they will be reimbursed one half of impact and infrastructure fees not to exceed $325,000. They also will receive reimbursements related to the relocation of electrical service facilities.

Directional signs around the LOOP
Just in time for the holidays, new signage is assisting motorists in the NSB Waterfront LOOP. The New Smyrna Beach Community Redevelopment Agency's (CRA) Wayfinding Project includes the installation of signage around the CRA district to direct drivers to points of interest, commercial and historic districts, and the beach.The cost of construction for the Wayfinding Project is $248,050.

Southern Homebrew opens
on West Canal Street
Southern Homebrew and Wine Supply has moved into its new storefront at 711 West Canal Street, two blocks west of U.S.1. The building has been renovated and fits well with the West Canal Streetscape completed last year. The renovation was funded partially with CRA funds. The eastern portion of the building is open. The western side continues to progress toward completion. The store previously was located on U.S. 1 in New Smyrna Beach.

Next CRA meeting Dec. 11
The next meeting of the CRA Board begins at 5 p.m., Tuesday, December 11, in City Commission Chambers, 210 Sams Ave., New Smyrna Beach.