Edgewater officials will allow Lennar to advance phase two of the Parks at Edgewater after a court ruling and developer concessions that include cutting phase five and adding new flood prevention measures.
Edgewater officials held a special meeting to address a recent court decision involving the Parks at Edgewater subdivision, according to reporting from Spectrum News 13. Circuit Judge Randell H. Rowe III ruled that the city cannot prevent Lennar Homes from moving forward with phase two of the project, finding that the developer met the legal standards required for approval. The ruling directed the city to allow construction to continue.
During the meeting, city leaders voted unanimously to proceed with approving the remainder of the development, subject to review by the city manager. Lennar Homes offered several concessions in return for the city agreeing not to appeal the ruling. These concessions included removing a planned phase five, which would have added 68 lots, and implementing additional flood prevention measures. Lennar also agreed to drop its request for reimbursement of legal fees.
Mayor Diezel Depew stated that the outcome reflected the city’s primary objective of securing expanded stormwater and retention capacity. Despite this, he expressed concern regarding how the case was handled by previous leadership and legal staff. He said communication issues and the absence of a more assertive legal strategy contributed to the prolonged dispute.
Flooding concerns were central to public opposition. During Hurricane Milton, a breached retention pond on the phase two parcel sent water across 35th Street. Residents had provided photos and videos documenting the incident. However, the city attorney, Aaron Wolfe, told officials he did not present this evidence at the hearing. Wolfe said the city attorney’s responsibility in quasi judicial proceedings is to remain impartial rather than advocate for or against an applicant.
Some residents indicated that while concessions represent progress, the absence of presented evidence weakened the city’s position. Others noted that drainage ditches dug after the hurricane are insufficient during periods of heavy rainfall. Longtime residents voiced concern about potential impacts on property values if flooding becomes more frequent.
Community members questioned the pace of residential construction given what they view as inadequate supporting infrastructure. They cited the need for storm drains and improved drainage systems prior to further build out of the subdivision.
With the court ruling in place and the city opting not to pursue an appeal, the next procedural step involves bringing Lennar’s plat application before the city manager for final administrative approval. City leaders indicated that future decisions regarding the project will place increased emphasis on stormwater capacity and mitigation strategies.