DELAND — The Volusia County Council on Thursday approved Edgewater’s first Community Redevelopment Area, a 20-year plan that’s designed to rejuvenate an ailing stretch of U.S. 1 and create a downtown area.
The County Council voted 5-1 to grant a delegation of authority for city officials to create a new redevelopment district that will total about 400 acres, includes more than 500 parcels and runs along U.S. 1 from the north city limits to Falcon Avenue. County Chair Jason Davis, a frequent critic of CRAs, voted against. Councilwoman Pat Northey was not present for the vote.
Edgewater officials originally proposed a 40-year CRA plan, but shortened it after being told by county leaders that 20 years would likely be the limit that would be approved. Properties in Edgewater’s proposed CRA area are depreciating in value faster than the county’s average, according to a presentation by Volusia County Property Appraiser Morgan Gilreath.