New Smyrna Beach: Economic Development Plan Update

The recent growth and development in the city of New Smyrna Beach does not go unnoticed. Driving along State Road 44, locals and visitors can observe new residential neighborhoods, like Coastal Woods and Beacon Luxury Apartments. Commercial construction is also ongoing, like recently the completed Publix expansion and brand new Kid City USA preschool. The city is working to update the Economic Development Plan and present the latest draft to city commission on December 10, 2019. The approved plan will guide the city’s program for the next three years.

The city has been working from the approved 2016 Economic Development Plan. A new draft of the Economic Development Plan is planned for review on November 20, 2019. The new draft includes input from the city’s Economic Advisory Board (EDAB), a group made up of six members and tasked with making recommendations to the city commission and city manager and fostering economic development within the city.

According to the October 2019 Economic Development newsletter, the plan format follows the standard, straight forward “strategic plan” type format, and each section was reviewed by the EDAB. The sections are titled: Where We Are Now, Enhancing Where We Are Now, and the main section, the Action Plan.

Locals have concerns over traffic patterns, infrastructure, parking and drainage that are noted in copies of the city commission meeting minutes. A growing discussion among neighborhoods that use the NextDoor app, a social networking platform for communities, is the installation of parking meters along Flagler Avenue.

Business owners are concerned the meters will deter locals from visiting businesses on Flagler Avenue. Residents are concerned beachgoers that don’t want to pay to park will begin parking along the side streets. A business owner shared on NextDoor, and Mayor Owen took a proactive approach and personally discussed her concerns.

“Mayor Owen personally called me and discussed my concerns for 41 minutes,” stated a Flagler Avenue business owner. “The meters will not advance until a meeting can be scheduled with input from Flagler Avenue businesses and citizens.” A meeting is being planned for November.

Listed below are some of the proposed projects, prominent projects and announcements noted in the October 2019 Economic Development newsletter.

• Tractor supply store – State Rd. 44 and Corbin Park Rd. – 19,000-square-foot retail store. This project is still under review. Zoning was approved by the city commission at the August 14, 2018 meeting.
• Pettis Park – 800 Mary Ave., featuring a total of 31 play events including several types of climbing features, slides, playtime junction, musical components, sensory wave seats, new playground borders and park benches. The new playground will accommodate up to 140 children ages 2-12 and is slated for completion by early January 2020. 
• Riverdeck Restaurant and Marina – 403-seat restaurant, 130 dry storage, retail shop, 38 boat slips. This project required a 4th resubmittal in September 2019 and is still under review.
• 300 Jessamine Ave. – 36-seat restaurant. Required a 3rd resubmittal in September 2019 and is still under review.
• Alonzo “Babe” James splash pad – 201 N. Myrtle Ave., plans submitted September 2019. 

Follow along with updated city news and events on their Facebook page, Facebook.com/CityofNSB or visit OurNSB.org/What-You-Should-Know. For public meeting schedules or copies of minutes visit CityofNSB.com/315/Agendas-and-Minutes.