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Commission approves Deering Park rezoning with stormwater safeguards; vote 4-1
Summary
After hours of testimony from dozens of residents and expert witnesses, the New Smyrna Beach City Commission adopted Ordinance 51-24 to rezone about 1,618 acres for the Deering Park Innovation Center, adding stipulations that incorporate the city's higher stormwater standards and other protections. Vice Mayor Martin voted no.
The New Smyrna Beach City Commission voted 4–1 on May 13 to adopt Ordinance 51-24, rezoning roughly 1,618 acres south of State Road 44 and west of I‑95 for the Deering Park Innovation Center planned unit development.
Mayor Freddie Cleveland announced the result after a lengthy quasi‑judicial hearing that included technical presentations from city staff, testimony from the applicant team and more than 150 members of the public. The commission approved the ordinance with stipulated language requiring the Deering Park master development agreement to include the city’s higher stormwater standards, an additional amenities threshold for neighborhoods of 500 units or more, and clarification that the utilities commission parcel is an 8‑acre upland site.
Development Services Director Shane Corbin told the commission the proposal is consistent with the comprehensive plan and has proceeded through extensive technical review: “This is approximately 1,600 acres and once completed it’s envisioned to have approximately 6,000,000 square feet of nonresidential structures,” he said. Corbin described a history of 17 public meetings and multiple technical reviews before the second reading.
Applicant counsel Glenn Storch told the commission the master development agreement (MDA) contains several enforcement tools, including an independent as‑built verification, annual reporting and a novel stormwater bond. “We’ve agreed to a stormwater bond…10% of the total construction for the first five years,” Storch said, summarizing the applicant’s proposed financial security for stormwater systems.
Vice Mayor Martin cast the lone dissenting vote, telling colleagues he remained concerned about long‑term oversight and uncertain downstream impacts. The motion was moved and seconded by commissioners on the dais and carried after roll call: Commissioner Ashley — yes; Commissioner Perrine — yes; Commissioner McGurk — yes; Mayor Cleveland — yes; Vice Mayor Martin — no.
The adoption does not immediately allow construction. The MDA and subsequent site‑level permits require further engineering, permitting by the St. Johns River Water Management District and other state and federal agencies, and additional traffic and stormwater analyses for each phase. The commission also scheduled follow‑up hearings and a workshop to monitor implementation.
The commission’s action included direction to staff to ensure the stipulated language is incorporated and to preserve the commission’s oversight opportunities during subsequent site plan and permit reviews.
