New Smyrna Beach 2021 State of the City

New Smyrna Beach 2021 State of the City

Written by Anthony Bicy

Belden Communications News

The New Smyrna Beach City Commission and Mayor Russ Owen held a State of the City Address on Tuesday, November 2, addressing the many improvements and accomplishments the city has had since its last State of the City, held in February of 2019. 

“New Smyrna Beach had several tasks ahead of itself, the first being to preserve our environment and our quality of life. Our most evident project is the traffic issues that we are improving,” Commissioner Michael Kolody of Zone 1 said.

The city has made multiple improvements to traffic issues by adding designated parking spots for truck drivers on beachside and installing lighted crosswalks for better pedestrian safety.

"New Smyrna Beach is known for its tourism, and we want to keep that sustainable," said Zone 2 Commissioner Jake Sachs said. 

The city has focused most of its efforts on improving the water quality for residents and local wildlife and better wetland and tree protection. 

“Our focus has always been n wetland protection, tree protection, and our economy. We are no longer a hidden gem and that’s a good thing,” Zone 3 Commissioner Jason McGuirk

The city is actively working on the Greenlawn Manor project, which will provide eighty units of affordable senior housing, which is one way to help with the population increase. Other projects regarding density in the area have focused on tearing down homes, and subdividing lots which will give an opportunity for more people to live in New Smyrna Beach.

Improvements have been made to city parks like adding a sunshade to the splash park near the Babe James Center are currently in the works with a completion date of Summer 2022. 

“The splash pad we added last year has truly been an asset to the community and enjoyed by hundreds of kids this past summer,” said Commissioner Hartman of Zone 4. 

Mayor Owen focused on highlighting the different financial aspects of the city, like the low tax rates and utilizing state funds to support projects in New Smyrna Beach. The Mayor highlighted the fact that New Smyrna Beach will always be a city where residents are represented by one commissioner (based on what zone you live in), and one Mayor.

"It is all about our people," said Mayor Owen. "We are focusing on projects that are great for New Smyrna Beach."

During the Address, Mayor Owen recognized Firefighter of the Year Lt. Cody Curren, Police Officer of the Year Sgt. Jason Reve, and a select few residents and city employees who dedicated themselves to the New Smyrna Beach community. 

"We want to thank the many people who live here and employees who keep the city a great place," said Sachs.

To watch the full recording of the 2021 State of the City Address, visit cityofnsb.com.