Edgewater residents may soon see a break from the relentless cycle of flooding and development if a new city ordinance is approved. According to ClickOrlando, the proposition seeks to impose a one-year moratorium on construction within the city limits. Residents have reported significant flooding during recent hurricanes, which they attribute to the rapid development in the area.
The potential pause on construction is a response to distress calls from locals like Mike Wellendorf, who expressed concern that despite previous storms, such as Hurricane Frances in 2004, flooding was not a problem until the area began to develop. "Hurricane Frances sat on top of us for the better part of three days and dropped a lot more rain than Ian did, and we didn’t have an inkling of any problems," Wellendorf stated, as per ClickOrlando. His concerns are amplified by the damages his property sustained during more recent storms, such as Hurricane Milton and Ian, leading him to delay repairs due to fears of recurring floods.
A pivotal meeting is scheduled at Edgewater City Hall, where the city council will vote on the moratorium. Mayor Michael Depew conveyed the gravity of the decision, stating, "If this moratorium passes, what it allows us to do is pump the brakes and analyze what we have to do in the city of Edgewater." According to ClickOrlando, Depew explained that the stoppage would facilitate a detailed survey to unearth the roots of the flooding issue and enable the city to create a new stormwater master plan.
Meanwhile, Bill Decarolis, a resident of the Florida Shores neighborhood, echoed the urgency of the situation to WESH. "It’s definitely a concern. A lot of people are getting ready to move out, and especially if the city don’t take care of the problems," he said. The proposed ordinance addresses development in the designated, flood-prone Florida Shores drainage basin. The measure, which could halt the issuing of new building permits, will be voted upon in council chambers located at 104 N. Riverside Drive in Edgewater.
