ECC: Continued Growth on SR 44

New construction and improvements can be seen all over New Smyrna Beach (NSB). From new residential homes to commercial projects, the City of NSB is exploding with development on the beachside and the mainland.

According to the city’s Economic Development Newsletter for May 2016, the Volusia County quarterly report indicates continued economic progress with NSB consistently among the top four in the number of residential permits and in the top three of commercial building permits over the past five quarters.

Many of the prominent projects underway can be spotted along the State Road 44 corridor. The private property projects include:

● Concordis Assisted Living Facility (located at the NE corner of SR 44 and Myrtle) – Construction is well underway for a two-story assisted living and memory treatment facility featuring 115 beds.

● Wawa (located at SR 44 and Old Mission/ Wallace Rd.) – Construction planned for the area in front of the strip center of the former Kmart, right next door to Burger King. Zoning has been approved to allow construction of convenience store and gas pumps. It is anticipated that a groundbreaking is in the near future.

● Aldi Supermarket (located at NE corner of Colony Park Rd. and SR 44 and pictured above) – Construction continues and they are expected to open this summer. They are now accepting applications online at AldiStoreJobs.com/how-to-apply.

According to the city of NSB’s Development Activity Report for May 2016, the following non-residential projects are still under review:

● Circle K (located at SE SR 44 and Glencoe Dr.) – 4,400 SF convenience store with gas pumps, with associated infrastructure and site improvements.

● Ocean Gate Commerce Center (located at SE quadrant of SR 44 and I-95) – rezoning for 188 acres, to allow approximately 975,000 SF of commercial and industrial uses. Zoning and site plans approved.

● Ocean Way Village (located at SE quadrant of SR 44 and I-95) – subdivision plat to create six commercial lots, with associated infrastructure improvements.

● Autozone (located at SW corner of SR 44 and Walker Dr.) – construction of an auto parts store with parking lot and retention.

● New Smyrna Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge/Ram (located at NW corner of SR 44 and Glencoe Dr.) – a future automotive dealership.

Locals are on the fence about the rapid economic growth citing that the natural landscape, historical charm and traffic times are paying the price. Many would like to see the city’s efforts redirected to U.S. 1; specifically to the south connecting NSB mainland with the city of Edgewater. Join a city advisory board if you are interested in making an impact with these decisions.

Subscribe to the city of NSB’s Economic monthly report here.