Economic board urges keeping industrial zoning near Factory Direct amid residential rezoning talks

The Edgewater Economic Development Board voted unanimously to recommend that city staff and council preserve existing industrial zoning on a parcel near the Factory Direct site, citing concern that converting the land to residential or mixed use would reduce opportunities for jobs and the city's commercial tax base.

Sherilyn Cruz, chairwoman, opened discussion after Ryan, a city planning staffer, presented a development update that included permit and certificate-of-occupancy figures and recent commercial activity. "The City of Edgewater is doing fairly well still, as far as new development coming in," Ryan said, reporting roughly 378 certificates of occupancy in the year and noting that assessed value rose compared with the prior year. Ryan also described several active projects, including Deering Park entitlements and the TRC-approved welcome center that will precede subdivision construction.

Board members pointed to a recent industrial expansion as evidence of local demand: Ryan said Insertek/Factory Direct closed on a southern-city building and plans to expand an existing 40,000–50,000-square-foot facility by roughly another 40,000 square feet, using an existing concrete pad rather than adding impervious area. Multiple members called the acquisition "a win" for jobs and industry.

That backdrop framed a contested proposal discussed at the meeting: a developer has proposed changing the front portions of a large tract from industrial to residential/mixed use while carving out a fire-station parcel. Ryan said parts of the tract are currently entitled for residential in places, but the northern piece remains heavy industrial and the shift would reduce the city's remaining industrial acreage. "We're less than 10% industrial and commercial," one member said, urging preservation of industrial land to support a resilient tax base and local employment.

Chelsea Bauer moved that the board "make a recommendation" to maintain present zoning; the board seconded and approved the motion by roll call with no recorded opposition. Chairwoman Sherilyn Cruz said Ryan will include the board's recommendation in the planning-and-zoning staff report that accompanies any PUD or rezoning application.

Why it matters: Board members argued that maintaining industrial land helps preserve local jobs and a diverse tax base, and that rezoning piecemeal could make future job-attracting projects harder to site. Members also noted the city has multiple preapproved residential projects nearby, intensifying concerns about losing the handful of remaining industrial parcels.

What happens next: Ryan said the planning-and-zoning staff report will carry the recommendation to council and to the PUD review process. The board's vote is advisory; any rezoning or PUD must still proceed through formal staff review, public hearings and council action.