Brevard County commissioners are set to vote April 5 on a plan to approve a 200-unit apartment complex near the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. The proposal, submitted by a local real estate firm, has divided residents and environmental groups. The site is located on a 10-acre parcel near the refuge’s southern boundary, a spot zoned for mixed-use development since 2018. County officials say the project would create 150 construction jobs and generate $1.2 million in annual property tax revenue.
The developer, which has not yet been named, has partnered with a Florida-based architecture firm to design the complex. Plans include 150 units for affordable housing, 30 market-rate apartments, and 20 townhomes. The project would also include a community center and 2.5 acres of open space. Proponents argue the development would help address housing shortages in Brevard County, where median home prices rose 18% between 2022 and 2023.
Opponents, including the Merritt Island Conservation Alliance, have raised concerns about habitat disruption. The wildlife refuge is home to endangered species like the Florida manatee and the least tern. Environmental groups say the project could damage wetlands and increase traffic on nearby roads. 'This isn’t just about housing,' said alliance member Sarah Lin. 'It’s about protecting land that’s been preserved for decades.'
County Commissioner Randy Smith, who represents the area, has called for a public hearing before the vote. 'We need to hear from people who live here,' he said. 'This isn’t a decision we can make in a vacuum.' The vote comes as Brevard County faces pressure to balance development with conservation. Similar projects have sparked controversy in nearby Cape Canaveral and Cocoa.
The commission’s decision will set a precedent for future developments near protected areas. If approved, construction could begin by summer 2024. The developer has not responded to requests for comment.