Brevard County commissioners are set to vote on a plan to construct a 120-unit apartment complex near the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. The proposal, submitted by developer Coastal Living Properties, seeks approval for a mixed-use site that includes retail space and a community center. The vote is scheduled for Tuesday’s commission meeting, with a public hearing held last week that drew over 70 attendees.
The project has divided the local community. Supporters argue the development will provide much-needed affordable housing and boost the local economy. 'This is about creating opportunities for families who can’t afford to live here,' said Maria Gonzalez, a Brevard resident who attended the hearing. Opponents, including members of the Merritt Island Preservation Society, warn the project could harm the area’s natural resources. 'We’re talking about one of the last undeveloped stretches of coastline in the county,' said society president David Whitaker.
County officials have emphasized environmental reviews are complete, but critics say the analysis overlooked long-term impacts on wildlife migration patterns. The site is located just 1.2 miles from the refuge’s northern boundary, a concern for ecologists studying manatee habitats. Developer representatives declined to comment ahead of the vote.
Commissioners will weigh the proposal against county growth plans and public input. A final decision could come as early as next week, with construction potentially starting in 2025 if approved. The debate highlights tensions between expansion and conservation efforts that have defined Merritt Island’s development for decades.