Commissioners direct staff to prepare ordinance on North Brevard economic zone, sparking lengthy public debate

The Board of County Commissioners voted April 22 to approve a statement of legislative intent regarding the North Brevard Economic Development Zone (NBEDZ) and directed staff to prepare an implementing ordinance and advertise it for public hearing. The motion, made by Commissioner Atkinson, also directed the county manager to develop a FY2025–26 budget that includes an additional $3.3 million allocated to Brevard County Fire Rescue (BCFR).

The action followed an extended public-comment period in which developers, business owners, zone board representatives and many residents urged the board to keep the zone. Speakers described the zone as a tool that has attracted small manufacturers, prepared sites for development and helped revitalize North Brevard after decades of economic downturn. Others, including fiscal critics, argued the zone’s incentives and funds are no longer necessary and should be redirected to urgent county priorities such as fire-rescue funding and infrastructure.

Developer Jesse Wright told commissioners he purchased the Sears Town Mall property in 2018 and has planned a $220 million redevelopment that he said relied in part on incentives available through the zone; he said the project included residential, senior assisted living and infrastructure to address long-standing runoff into the lagoon. Bart Goetjens, former zone chair, and several other speakers listed businesses and projects that they said the zone had helped to launch or retain.

Opponents urged reallocating trust-fund TIF dollars to public-safety needs and argued the zone had outlived its initial purpose; some public commenters described legal and fiscal controversies linked to prior zone operations. Commissioners discussed the competing priorities and whether a compromise could be reached that preserved some economic-development activity while dedicating funds to public safety.

Commissioner Atkinson’s motion to approve the statement of legislative intent, direct staff to prepare and advertise an ordinance, and direct the county manager to budget $3.3 million to BCFR passed 4-1 (Commissioner Altman cast the no vote). The clerk recorded the roll: Delaney yes; Goodson yes; Atkinson yes; Altman no; Chairman Feltner yes.

Ending: Staff will draft an ordinance implementing the board’s legislative intent and will advertise it for a public hearing; the item will return for further board action after the staff draft and public process.