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Edgewater approves removal of historic live oak to clear way for Merritt Boats facility; owner to pay $61,576
Summary
Council approved a request (AR 2026-0118) to remove a historic live oak (DBH 56 inches) at 200 West Park Avenue to allow a proposed Merritt Boats manufacturing facility, accepting the fee payment option of $61,575.60 after hearing arborist findings and economic development arguments.
The City Council approved a historic specimen tree removal request on May 4 that will allow construction of a boat-manufacturing warehouse on a property at 200 West Park Avenue.
City staff presented the request and noted the land development code requires either a like-for-like replacement (22 trees) or payment under the city’s fee schedule for removal of a historic specimen live oak (DBH 56 inches). Staff calculated the payment at $61,575.60 and recommended the council choose whether to require replanting or accept money in lieu.
A planning/presentation team (speaker identified in the transcript as Mayor Joey Posey in the presentation) described the site constraints: the tree’s dripline essentially renders one buildable parcel unworkable, and the city-contracted arborist concluded development would likely impact the tree’s root zone and cause eventual decline. The landowner’s representative, Merritt Boats, described a proposed facility that would employ roughly 15 workers with average wages the presenter described as $40,000–$50,000 and argued the project would produce local jobs, equipment tax revenue and infill redevelopment.
Council members debated preserving the tree versus economic benefits and noted the arborist’s assessment that the tree would likely be impacted by proper stormwater and site requirements. After discussion the council moved to approve AR 2026-0118, electing the payment option (money in lieu) at the staff-calculated amount. Roll call recorded unanimous approval.
Why it matters: The decision trades a recognized historic specimen tree for proposed local economic activity and tax base; the council weighed arborist advice, neighborhood stormwater needs and projected job creation before approving the payment option.
What’s next: Staff will collect the payment per the fee resolution and the applicant will proceed with site design subject to other permitting and code requirements.
