Melbourne Village, Florida
Encyclopedia
Melbourne Village is a town in Brevard County
, Florida
, United States
. The population was 706 at the 2000 census. As of 2005, the population estimated by the U.S. Census Bureau is 702 http://www.census.gov/popest/cities/tables/SUB-EST2005-04-12.xls. It is part of the Palm Bay
–Melbourne
–Titusville
Metropolitan Statistical Area, and is the smallest incorporated municipality (by population) in Brevard County.
Three women – Virginia Wood, Elizabeth Nutting, and Margaret Hutchinson, came from Dayton, Ohio
following the end of World War II
to the area of Melbourne, Florida
. Their goal was to build a community from scratch for people wanting to establish a lifestyle that was simple and close to nature. This social experiment was an “intentional community”, a response to the hardships of the Great Depression
. The founders were influenced by the concepts and teachings of Ralph Borsodi
, who also lived in Melbourne Village from 1950 to 1960. Many early residents cleared their land, built their own houses, and ran small home businesses, from organic gardening to raising chinchillas, to help support themselves and their families. There was a community store run on the honor system. Early families overcame the lack of construction materials for civilian use immediately following World War II
by purchasing and relocating surplus military barracks from nearby bases. Two of these barracks still remain, one being the Original Melbourne Village Hall
and the other a private residence.
The Town of Melbourne Village was incorporated in 1957 out of concern of being annexed by Melbourne
or included in the incorporation of West Melbourne
.
, the town has a total area of 0.6 square miles (1.5 km²), all land.
The village is surrounded by West Melbourne
, except the northeastern portion of the town, where it is bordered by Melbourne
.
of South Brevard, convinced the county and state to purchase the land and establish the Erna Nixon Park
. The park opened in 1976, and is a key habitat for many native plants, birds, and animals, including gopher tortoises, Indigo snakes, and bobcats.
Three departments serve the Town with paid employees: Administration, Public Works, and Police. Even though the municipality is small, having its own police force enables the Town to provide 24/7
coverage with fast response times, as well as community policing activities.
The result of this work was the Responsible Growth Plan, a set of ordinances that developed building coverage ranges for all lot sizes, devised incentive strategies to encourage homeowners and builders to minimize the visual and environmental impact of larger lot coverage, improved the Town’s Code emphasis on tree canopy, green conservation, and native vegetation., and provided a way to manage all these objectives via the Town Review Board.
of 2000, there were 706 people, 307 households, and 210 families residing in the town. The population density
was 1,239.4 inhabitants per square mile (478.2/km²). It has the smallest population of any municipality in the county.
There were 325 housing units at an average density of 570.5 per square mile (220.1/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 99.01% White, 0.71% Asian, and 0.28% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.27% of the population.
There were 307 households out of which 21.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.0% were married couples
living together, 5.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.3% were non-families. 25.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.30 and the average family size was 2.73.
In the town the population was spread out with 17.8% under the age of 18, 3.5% from 18 to 24, 22.7% from 25 to 44, 29.7% from 45 to 64, and 26.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 49 years. For every 100 females there were 93.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.3 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $48,750, and the median income for a family was $60,000. Males had a median income of $51,058 versus $27,375 for females. The per capita income
for the town was $27,782. About 2.6% of families and 6.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.3% of those under age 18 and 3.3% of those age 65 or over.
28.088361°N 80.666927°W.
Brevard County, Florida
Brevard County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida, along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. As of 2007 U.S. Census Bureau estimates, the population is 536,521, making it the 10th most populous county in the state. Influenced by the presence of the John F. Kennedy Space Center, Brevard...
, Florida
Florida
Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The population was 706 at the 2000 census. As of 2005, the population estimated by the U.S. Census Bureau is 702 http://www.census.gov/popest/cities/tables/SUB-EST2005-04-12.xls. It is part of the Palm Bay
Palm Bay, Florida
Palm Bay is a city in Brevard County, Florida, United States. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the city's population as 100,786 on 1 July 2008; it is the most populous city in the county...
–Melbourne
Melbourne, Florida
Melbourne is a city in Brevard County, Florida, United States. As of 2009, the population estimated by the U.S. Census Bureau is 78,323. The municipal area is the second largest by size and by population in the county. Melbourne is a principal city of the Palm Bay – Melbourne – Titusville, Florida...
–Titusville
Titusville, Florida
Titusville is a city in Brevard County, Florida in the United States. It is the county seat of Brevard County. Nicknamed Space City, USA, Titusville is on the Indian River, west of Merritt Island and the Kennedy Space Center and south-southwest of the Canaveral National Seashore...
Metropolitan Statistical Area, and is the smallest incorporated municipality (by population) in Brevard County.
History
The area that is now the town was previously used for raising cattle. Aerial photographs from circa 1943 of the area show some native oak hammocks, pine lowlands, and cleared areas for cattle grazing.Three women – Virginia Wood, Elizabeth Nutting, and Margaret Hutchinson, came from Dayton, Ohio
Dayton, Ohio
Dayton is the 6th largest city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Montgomery County, the fifth most populous county in the state. The population was 141,527 at the 2010 census. The Dayton Metropolitan Statistical Area had a population of 841,502 in the 2010 census...
following the end of World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
to the area of Melbourne, Florida
Melbourne, Florida
Melbourne is a city in Brevard County, Florida, United States. As of 2009, the population estimated by the U.S. Census Bureau is 78,323. The municipal area is the second largest by size and by population in the county. Melbourne is a principal city of the Palm Bay – Melbourne – Titusville, Florida...
. Their goal was to build a community from scratch for people wanting to establish a lifestyle that was simple and close to nature. This social experiment was an “intentional community”, a response to the hardships of the Great Depression
Great Depression
The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic depression in the decade preceding World War II. The timing of the Great Depression varied across nations, but in most countries it started in about 1929 and lasted until the late 1930s or early 1940s...
. The founders were influenced by the concepts and teachings of Ralph Borsodi
Ralph Borsodi
Ralph Borsodi was an agrarian theorist and practical experimenter interested in ways of living useful to the modern family desiring greater self-reliance...
, who also lived in Melbourne Village from 1950 to 1960. Many early residents cleared their land, built their own houses, and ran small home businesses, from organic gardening to raising chinchillas, to help support themselves and their families. There was a community store run on the honor system. Early families overcame the lack of construction materials for civilian use immediately following World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
by purchasing and relocating surplus military barracks from nearby bases. Two of these barracks still remain, one being the Original Melbourne Village Hall
Original Melbourne Village Hall
The Original Melbourne Village Hall is a historic building currently located on Hall Road in Melbourne Village, Florida, United States. This building was built circa 1941 during World War II to serve as a military barracks at the Naval Air Station Banana River. After World War II, the U.S...
and the other a private residence.
The Town of Melbourne Village was incorporated in 1957 out of concern of being annexed by Melbourne
Melbourne, Florida
Melbourne is a city in Brevard County, Florida, United States. As of 2009, the population estimated by the U.S. Census Bureau is 78,323. The municipal area is the second largest by size and by population in the county. Melbourne is a principal city of the Palm Bay – Melbourne – Titusville, Florida...
or included in the incorporation of West Melbourne
West Melbourne, Florida
West Melbourne is a city in Brevard County, Florida, United States. It was created in 1959 to stop the area from being annexed into the City of Melbourne. The population was 9,824 at the 2000 census. In 1970, the city's population was approximately 3,050. As of 2008, the estimated population...
.
Geography
According to the United States Census BureauUnited States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the town has a total area of 0.6 square miles (1.5 km²), all land.
The village is surrounded by West Melbourne
West Melbourne, Florida
West Melbourne is a city in Brevard County, Florida, United States. It was created in 1959 to stop the area from being annexed into the City of Melbourne. The population was 9,824 at the 2000 census. In 1970, the city's population was approximately 3,050. As of 2008, the estimated population...
, except the northeastern portion of the town, where it is bordered by Melbourne
Melbourne, Florida
Melbourne is a city in Brevard County, Florida, United States. As of 2009, the population estimated by the U.S. Census Bureau is 78,323. The municipal area is the second largest by size and by population in the county. Melbourne is a principal city of the Palm Bay – Melbourne – Titusville, Florida...
.
Environment
Over 90% of lots are between 0.33 acre (0.13354638 ha) and 1 acre (0.404686 ha), with houses nestled in among the native oaks and pines. It is common in Melbourne Village for a lot to have at least 30% canopy coverage, from mature live oaks and southern pines.Erna Nixon Hammock
The eastern section of the Village includes a portion of the Erna Nixon Hammock. The hammock’s namesake and Melbourne Village resident, Erna Nixon, was a force behind the preservation of the 54 acres (21.9 ha) area. This small oasis of pine flat woods and oak hammocks is surrounded by a commercial district and was zoned for warehouses. Her work, with assistance from the Junior LeagueJunior League
The Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc. is a non-profit organization of 292 Junior Leagues in Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom and the United States. Junior Leagues are educational and charitable women's organizations aimed at improving their communities through volunteerism and...
of South Brevard, convinced the county and state to purchase the land and establish the Erna Nixon Park
Erna Nixon Park
Erna Nixon Park is a public park located on 1200 Evans Road, Melbourne, Florida. It contains a elevated boardwalk through a natural Florida hammock. The park contains ferns and old live oaks with hanging Spanish moss. It provides a natural habitat for several species of birds and small animals,...
. The park opened in 1976, and is a key habitat for many native plants, birds, and animals, including gopher tortoises, Indigo snakes, and bobcats.
Government
The Town of Melbourne Village is governed by a Town Commission of seven members, one of whom is the Mayor/Commissioner. By Town Charter, these are volunteer (unpaid) positions. The Mayor and Commissioners are non-partisan positions and are elected in November during the general elections for two year terms. Terms are staggered, with three Commission seats up for election each year plus the Mayoral seat up every other year. The Commission meets at least once a month to deal with town business, in a modified “town hall” style meeting. This form of government is a modified "strong mayor" system. While the Mayor is responsible for the day-to-day executive oversight and guidance for the Town, the Commission must approve the Mayor's actions.Three departments serve the Town with paid employees: Administration, Public Works, and Police. Even though the municipality is small, having its own police force enables the Town to provide 24/7
24/7
24/7 is an abbreviation which stands for "24 hours a day, 7 days a week", usually referring to a business or service available at all times without interruption...
coverage with fast response times, as well as community policing activities.
American Homesteading Foundation (AHF)
The American Homesteading Foundation was the force behind the founding of Melbourne Village. All homeowners in the Village must be members of the AHF. The AHF was founded in 1946 by Virginia Wood, Elizabeth Nutting, and Margaret Hutchinson, and is a not-for-profit corporation and independent of the official municipality. The AHF serves the community by owning, maintaining, and operating all the community property within the Village, and sponsors recreational and educational activities throughout the year. The community property includes approximately 45 acres (18.2 ha) of parks and paths, the Village Hall, and the AHF Swimming Pool. In its modern form, the main function of the AHF is sometimes described as an independent self-funded Parks and Recreation department for the Village.Community involvement
More than 25 percent of the residents of Melbourne Village are routinely involved in committees and volunteer events. In the 2008 elections, voter turnout for Melbourne Village (Precinct 31) was 95 percent. Even in non-presidential election years, turnout is typically 60 percent to 80 percent.Planned development
The Vision 2012 Committee was chartered by the Town Commission in March, 2006 as a response to trends and concerns about recent construction that, if not addressed, could significantly change the existing neighborhood character, the larger size of structures and greater lot coverage, and the loss of green-space.The result of this work was the Responsible Growth Plan, a set of ordinances that developed building coverage ranges for all lot sizes, devised incentive strategies to encourage homeowners and builders to minimize the visual and environmental impact of larger lot coverage, improved the Town’s Code emphasis on tree canopy, green conservation, and native vegetation., and provided a way to manage all these objectives via the Town Review Board.
Mayors
- 1957–1957: W. Harries Fisher
- 1957–1961: Clark J. Strohmer
- 1961–1968: Arthur A. Codding
- 1968–1969: A. Harold Peters
- 1969–1970: Clemens J. Neuhas
- 1970–1972: Albert G. Falco
- 1972–1975: Raymond E. Henderson
- 1975–1978: Grace D. Walker
- 1978–1978: Albert F. Zimmerman
- 1978–1980: Herbert C. Doughty
- 1980–1982: A. Harold Peters
- 1982–1992: George T. Woodmansee
- 1992–1996: James A. Miller
- 1996–2000: Julia E. (Tibby) Parker
- 2000–2002: Richard F. St. John
- 2002–2004: Robert E. Downey
- 2004–2008: Stephen J. Gaul
- 2008 – current: L. Scott McCoy
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 706 people, 307 households, and 210 families residing in the town. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 1,239.4 inhabitants per square mile (478.2/km²). It has the smallest population of any municipality in the county.
There were 325 housing units at an average density of 570.5 per square mile (220.1/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 99.01% White, 0.71% Asian, and 0.28% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.27% of the population.
There were 307 households out of which 21.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.0% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 5.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.3% were non-families. 25.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.30 and the average family size was 2.73.
In the town the population was spread out with 17.8% under the age of 18, 3.5% from 18 to 24, 22.7% from 25 to 44, 29.7% from 45 to 64, and 26.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 49 years. For every 100 females there were 93.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.3 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $48,750, and the median income for a family was $60,000. Males had a median income of $51,058 versus $27,375 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the town was $27,782. About 2.6% of families and 6.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.3% of those under age 18 and 3.3% of those age 65 or over.
External links
28.088361°N 80.666927°W.