Edgewater CRA approves budget amendment and authorizes purchases of two East Park properties
July 06, 2026 | Edgewater, Volusia County, Florida
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The Edgewater Community Redevelopment Agency voted July 6 to amend its CRA budget and to authorize the city to purchase two downtown parcels at appraised values.
John Scott, the agency's newly introduced economic development director, told the board staff recommended moving $140,000 from the façade grant program into the property‑purchase line to fund acquisitions intended to give the city control of key downtown parcels. Scott said third‑party appraisals set the price for 117 East Park Avenue at $180,000 and for 123 East Park Avenue at $160,000, down from owners' initial asking prices of $189,000 each.
The moves matter because holding property gives the city options for future downtown planning. “We will at least control it,” Scott said, describing the city’s rationale for acquiring the sites rather than leaving them in private hands. Chairman DePauw urged the board to conserve parcels for potential public uses and noted the CRA is a county partnership that is scheduled to sunset in 2030.
During the public comment period a nearby resident asked whether the city would demolish the existing house at 117 East Park Avenue or leave the property vacant after purchase. The chair and staff said there were no immediate plans beyond acquisition and that the city manager had not presented a redevelopment plan at this time.
The board voted unanimously to approve the budget amendment (CRA 2026‑02) and then to authorize the purchase of 117 East Park Avenue (AR2026‑0191) and 123 East Park Avenue (AR2026‑0193). Miss Dolbell moved each measure and Mister Rainbird seconded; roll calls recorded unanimous approval.
At the end of the meeting Scott reported that staff had been studying downtown examples in Mount Dora, Claremont and Winter Park to inform Edgewater planning and that most staff work in recent weeks had focused on appraisals and acquisitions. The CRA adjourned and took a brief 10‑minute recess before the routine city council meeting.
John Scott, the agency's newly introduced economic development director, told the board staff recommended moving $140,000 from the façade grant program into the property‑purchase line to fund acquisitions intended to give the city control of key downtown parcels. Scott said third‑party appraisals set the price for 117 East Park Avenue at $180,000 and for 123 East Park Avenue at $160,000, down from owners' initial asking prices of $189,000 each.
The moves matter because holding property gives the city options for future downtown planning. “We will at least control it,” Scott said, describing the city’s rationale for acquiring the sites rather than leaving them in private hands. Chairman DePauw urged the board to conserve parcels for potential public uses and noted the CRA is a county partnership that is scheduled to sunset in 2030.
During the public comment period a nearby resident asked whether the city would demolish the existing house at 117 East Park Avenue or leave the property vacant after purchase. The chair and staff said there were no immediate plans beyond acquisition and that the city manager had not presented a redevelopment plan at this time.
The board voted unanimously to approve the budget amendment (CRA 2026‑02) and then to authorize the purchase of 117 East Park Avenue (AR2026‑0191) and 123 East Park Avenue (AR2026‑0193). Miss Dolbell moved each measure and Mister Rainbird seconded; roll calls recorded unanimous approval.
At the end of the meeting Scott reported that staff had been studying downtown examples in Mount Dora, Claremont and Winter Park to inform Edgewater planning and that most staff work in recent weeks had focused on appraisals and acquisitions. The CRA adjourned and took a brief 10‑minute recess before the routine city council meeting.
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