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Council advances Deering Park rezoning to 2nd reading with mangrove coordination language under review
Summary
Council moved ordinance 2024-O-55 to a second reading on May 19 to allow a PUD amendment addressing dry-stack storage, parking and shoreline/mangrove protections; the move passed 3–2 and does not approve annexation or final development tonight.
The Edgewater City Council voted on May 19 to advance a rezoning ordinance for a 0.6838-acre shoreline parcel associated with the Deering Park project to a second reading so staff could present a PUD amendment addressing dry-stack storage, parking and shoreline protections.
Mark Watts of Cobb Cole (speaker19), counsel for the applicant, told the council that approving the ordinance on first reading would not grant final entitlements but would allow staff to bring the annexation, land-use amendment and PUD amendment together at the June 2 meeting. He said the applicant has been coordinating with Riverside Conservancy on mangrove and shoreline restoration plans and has proposed native wetland plantings, invasive removal and options for oyster beds and seagrasses.
Staff summarized three requested changes that would appear in the PUD amendment: an increase to dry-stack storage height to accommodate taller boats and suppression systems, an adjustment to dry-stack storage capacity from 1,500 to 2,000 (as phrased in staff's summary of the request), and related parking ratios. Councilmembers and residents questioned the height and the project's shoreline impacts and asked that the city review potential contractual language to require coordination with Riverside Conservancy; staff indicated such conditions could be included in the PUD amendment but would need developer agreement.
During public comment several citizens expressed both support and concern. Stephanie Ford of the Southeast Volusia Chamber described Deering Park as a job-creating, flood-resilient project; other residents including Cindy Harris and Doug Frederick voiced flood-safety concerns for adjacent neighborhoods and pressed for safeguards and buffers. Staff reiterated that the first-reading vote does not authorize construction and that the annexation and PUD amendment would return for a final vote.
The council then moved the ordinance 2024-O-55 from first to second reading on a 3–2 roll-call (Councilman Rainbird Yes; Mayor DePauw Yes; Councilwoman Gillis No; Councilman Thomas No; Councilwoman Dalbo Yes). The second reading and related PUD amendment were scheduled for June 2, when council will have the opportunity to add specific conditions, including potential contractual coordination with Riverside Conservancy.
