EDGEWATER -- A proposed residential/commercial development that would double Edgewater's population, drew criticism from the Florida Department of Community Affairs in October, principally over the sheer size of the project as well as concerns about transportation and water supplies.
Restoration proposes 8,500 homes and 3.3 million square feet of commercial-industrial and other use space on land west of Interstate 95. Though touted as "green" because it would preserve land, including restoration of some wetlands, other acreage destroyed for the development would displace wildlife and that has the American Audubon Society and the Edgewater Citizens' Alliance for Responsible Development up in arms.
The Edgewater City Commission has yet to approve the project but has shown preliminary support through earlier votes.
Restoration's legal interests are represented by environmental attorney and New Smyrna Beach resident Clay Henderson, who in December, convinced the New Smyrna City Commission to avoid seeking assistance from the county and speaking directly with Edgewater officials about concerns for the project.