On Friday, April 11, 2025, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for the first phase of Deering Park North and Deering Park Center, located at the south corner of 442 and west of Interstate 95 in Edgewater. Currently, there is a welcome center onsite. The Edgewater communities cover 6,349 acres, with over 4,000 acres set aside for permanent conservation. Construction is slated to begin in mid-2025 and continue into 2026.

When it comes to environmental concerns, especially with the risk of flooding, stormwater management is a key element of the plan. The development will feature Edgewater Wetland Park and a comprehensive stormwater management system that is designed to exceed Outstanding Florida Water standards, meet 100-year storm requirements, and reduce existing runoff by storing excess water on-site. However, it’s worth noting that while this system sounds promising, water is one of the most unpredictable and dangerous elements in Florida’s landscape. Stormwater studies will take years to complete, and while the plan addresses many concerns, it’s impossible to fully control nature. 

The project has garnered attention, especially with the size of the homes being proposed. At 800 to 1,000 square feet, these homes may seem relatively small compared to some of the larger properties in the area. It appears the city is trying to address the current housing issues, with an emphasis on more affordable and accessible options. 

Glen D. Storch, a Daytona Beach attorney, is representing the Deering Family (property owners) and the developers partnership. He has provided presentations to NSB residents, business owners, and local officials at public meetings. You can watch these at CityofNSB.com.

I reached out to Brian Ashley, Zone 4 Commissioner of NSB, who represents the area where the project is located. His response was that he respectfully declined to be interviewed. After doing my own research, I submitted the question to the city of NSB but, as of the time of this article, I have received no reply.

A key feature of the Deering Park Innovation Center is the planned 2,100 homes, which include zoned rental areas and the ability to offer Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), catering to multigenerational living. While the eco-integrated megaproject is certainly impressive, it won’t have its own zip code, and it includes 71 square miles of conservation land – a major environmental commitment. You can view the project map and Master Plan on the city of NSB website.

Beyond housing, the Innovation Center will boast a mixed-use commercial village, valued at approximately $2.7 billion. The area will include a regional park/sports complex, a site for NSB police facilities, and multi-use trails for residents and visitors alike. However, it’s important to note that no construction will proceed until stormwater management studies are completed and approved by both the City of NSB and St. John’s River Water Management District.

This is quite the time to announce a groundbreaking in Edgewater, especially considering the current moratorium in place and the complexity of the required stormwater studies, which will take years to complete. While the Deering Park project offers an exciting opportunity for growth, jobs, and new amenities, the timing and unanswered questions may leave residents feeling unsure.

I try to provide you with as much information as possible so you can form your own informed opinion. I highly encourage you to visit each city’s website, watch the meetings for yourself, and dig deeper into who is involved in this project and what the realistic timelines look like.

Ultimately, the Deering Park communities represent a major investment in southeast Volusia County, offering the potential to diversify housing, expand the tax base, create jobs, and make a historic connection across the Florida Wildlife Corridor — but, as with anything on this scale, it’s important to keep a close and watchful eye on how it unfolds.

To view the City of NSB’s announcements and Public Meetings regarding Deering Park, click here.

To view the Deering Park website regarding the plans for the communities, click here.