Deering Park rezoning approved; task force and residents voice skepticism about timeline and developer plans

The New Smyrna Beach Economic Development Task Force revisited the recently approved rezoning for the Deering Park Innovation Center and heard community members and task force members press for clearer timelines and enforceable commitments.

Chair (speaking at the meeting) said the PUD rezoning approval starts a multi‑year process to bring higher‑paying jobs and an expanded tax base to the area west of the city. A recorded presentation described the project as a mixed‑use, flood‑resilient development that will preserve hundreds of acres of natural vegetation and create local jobs. The presentation stated the Deering family and Deering Park Development Company have committed to permanent conservation of adjacent acreage and to the project’s design and infrastructure plans.

Task force member Jesse Romero said he is skeptical of the process and urged a concrete timeline. He warned the developer could meet PUD square‑footage targets by building a large hotel first and housing workers there, delaying on‑site commercial employment: "The first thing to build the hotel. They'll use it for the people to live there and work in there," Romero said. Romero asked for a timeline and specific actions the task force should take to attract the high‑paying aviation and aerospace jobs the city hopes to land.

Staff responded that the city partners with Team Volusia to market the region and route leads to New Smyrna Beach; staff emphasized the developer’s stated focus on high‑quality architecture and compatible uses. Samantha (economic development staff) said Deering Park was sought because the city lacked large parcels meeting certain criteria and that staff have been walking interested companies to the developer’s representatives.

Members repeatedly urged local oversight and enforcement of the PUD as the project proceeds. One member said local character and daily presence by developers help build trust; another noted the Deering family’s long‑term land ownership could provide financial stability through downturns. Staff and members encouraged public tours and continued engagement to build trust.

Next steps: Task force members asked staff to continue monitoring developer compliance with PUD commitments, report on a clear project timeline, and coordinate with Team Volusia on business recruitment. Public outreach and upcoming public meetings tied to broader planning work were also noted.