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In a packed and emotionally charged meeting on May 13th, the New Smyrna Beach City Commission voted 4-1 to approve the Deering Park Innovation Center PUD rezoning, greenlighting what could become one of the most transformational developments in Southeast Volusia County history.
This decision comes amid heavy protest, with over 80 residents voicing concerns about flooding, infrastructure strain, environmental impact, and the overall direction of growth in NSB. Yet, commissioners argued the project offers a long-term, organized solution to the inevitable population and economic pressures heading our way.
So… what exactly is coming?
🏗️ What Is Deering Park Innovation Center?
The approved plan spans 1,618 acres and is part of a much larger 70,000-acre vision that touches both Volusia and Brevard counties. The NSB portion, dubbed the “Innovation Center,” will be built out over several decades. Here’s a quick snapshot of what’s proposed:
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2,150 residential units (including single-family homes, townhouses, build-to-rent properties, and apartments)
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6 million sq ft of commercial, industrial, and mixed-use space
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A 423-acre Innovation Park with space for corporate HQs
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A 60-acre regional park and sports complex
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Dedicated space for public facilities (police, utilities)
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Trails, multi-modal paths, and large natural vegetation preserves
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An engineered stormwater system with a 10-year bond to mitigate flooding
But construction won’t start overnight—residential development may be 3+ years out, pending environmental and stormwater studies.
🌊 Why Are So Many Residents Pushing Back?
Opponents argue that New Smyrna Beach isn’t ready—not in infrastructure, not in stormwater management, and not in its current form of governance—to support this kind of scale.
Locals from neighborhoods like Ellison Acres say they’ve already experienced severe flooding during storms like Hurricane Ian. Others question whether State Road 44 can handle the traffic or if developers can truly protect wetlands and existing communities.
There’s also a strong emotional undercurrent: many feel the city is losing its small-town charm to unchecked growth.
🧭 What Happens Next?
Supporters of the project claim that “smart growth” is better than reactive sprawl, and point to the plan’s modern infrastructure, environmental safeguards, and economic benefits—like diversifying NSB’s tax base and attracting high-paying jobs.
Opponents are skeptical, and many aren’t done fighting. Even though the PUD was approved, there may still be legal or procedural hurdles, especially around environmental studies and permitting.
🤔 What Are Your Thoughts?
This vote could define New Smyrna Beach’s identity for generations. Will Deering Park be a model of modern growth and economic opportunity—or a costly, sprawling experiment that overwhelms our town?
I’d love to hear what you think.
Are you for or against the project? Do you think this was the right time—or the wrong direction?
👋 Stay Informed and Local
As a lifelong NSB resident and local REALTOR®, I believe staying informed is the first step to protecting your investment, your community, and your quality of life.
If you want updates like this, insight into how local development might impact property values, or help navigating your own real estate goals—reach out anytime.
Ryan Tesnow, MPA
REALTOR® | Coldwell Banker Envision Real Estate
📍 New Smyrna Beach Local Expert
📞 Cell: (254) 206-5020
📧 ryan.tesnow@cbenvision.com
🏡 394-B N. Causeway | New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169
