Waterfront Development: "Regulatory Disconnects to an Economic Engine"

Volusia County Association for Responsible Development (VCARD) will present an educational program for waterfront development, "Regulatory Disconnects to an Economic Engine" on Friday, March 20, 2009.

Communities in east Volusia County are looking toward waterfront development as a lucrative base for future economic growth. A variety of condominium and marina-related projects are being planned, complying with guidelines of Volusia County's Manatee Protection Plan and the manatee protection rules that allocate a set number of boat slips to each waterfront municipality.

However, there are separate state and federal environmental permitting rules for boat docks and marinas that also impact these waterfront projects...and potentially lead to conflicts in their completion...along the Halifax River and possibly other water bodies of Volusia and Flagler counties.

VCARD's March 20th program will analyze this "disconnect" between county and state/federal regulations...and open a dialogue for hopeful solutions that will blend environmental protection with economic prosperity.

This program is important to any professional involved in waterfront development or business/redevelopment...and especially all local government representatives of waterfront communities throughout Volusia and Flagler counties. Representatives from county, state and federal regulatory agencies are also being encouraged to attend to join the program's open discussion.

Program presenters and panelists include:

• Volusia County's Manatee Protection Plan - background and overview; and the plan's intent in relation to marinas. Georgia Zern, Volusia County Planner for Manatee Protection


• Regulations Governing Multi-Family and Commercial Waterfront Development (condominiums, hotels/resorts, retail). Allen Watts, Land Use Attorney (CobbCole)


• The Disconnect in Rules - Wayne Flowers, Land Use Attorney (Lewis, Longman & Walker)


• The Economic Impact of Marina and Waterfront Development - Shailesh Patel (Dredging & Marine Consultants) and Program Moderator


• A panel/open discussion will follow the individual presentations

The program will be held at Sunset Harbor Yacht Club on Friday, March 20 from 10am to 12 noon with lunch served afterward). Cost: VCARD members and Local Government Representative, $23; for non-VCARD member development professionals, $40. To register, contact Gail Miller at the Chamber at (386) 255-0981, ext. 229, or e-mail gail@daytonachamber.com.