By Jamye Durrance

Staff writer

EDGEWATER - Right now it's just writings on the wall and maps speckled with colorful dots, but it represent the possible future of Edgewater.

At last week's visioning workshop, more than two dozen residents and city staff shared what they would like to see in Edgewater's future by sharing what was already good and bad in the city.

The workshop was sponsored by the city and Central Florida Sustainable Communities Initiative, a non-profit organization that helps small communities plan their futures based on resident feedback. The initiative is spearheaded by Brian Canin, who is donating $50,000 to help bring the visions to reality.

Mr. Canin is also a partner in Restoration, a proposed 8,500-unit development west of Interstate 95.

Don Mears, vice president of GS Florida, the developer behind Restoration, is also donating $50,000 to the Envision Edgewater project.

Dot Carlson, founder of Edgewater Citizens' Alliance for Responsible Development, said the workshop's sponsor represented a conflict of interest.

"I don't think they're doing it for the city of Edgewater," she said. "I think the whole thing is a silly game. I think the whole thing is decided."

Mr. Canin said the results of the project are up to the city.

"We're here as facilitators," he said. "This is not our plan, it is the residents' plan."

Acting city manager Tracey Barlow said the city does not have to adopt any of the ideas presented.

"This is our process," he said.

The project came about after Mr. Barlow felt the city needed some help.

"One of the problems I found in this position was that Edgewater lacked a vision," he said. "This is an extremely, extremely important process."

The program consists of two workshops. Last Saturday's workshop provided feedback, which will be presented in conceptual ideas and drawings at the second workshop on Sept. 20. Residents and city staff will tweak those ideas until a consensus is reached.

In October, the Initiative will present the results to the City Council for approval and by the beginning of 2009, the city will have a "vision book" which the city will use as a guide for future development and land use changes.

At the first workshop, residents did a variety of exercises, from expressing what they love and hate about Edgewater to describing their dream Edgewater 20 years from now.

Most residents said they came to Edgewater because it was a cheap place to build a house but also loved the small town feel and the riverfront.

But, residents and staff said the city is not utilizing that riverfront to its best potential.

"We need to capitalize on the riverfront and keep that river pristine while we do that," Mayor Michael Thomas said.

Council member Debra Rogers felt residents didn't have a place to enjoy the nature of the area.

"We need more waterfront parks," she said. "The parks we have now are small and limited."

Residents and city staff said they felt the current riverfront location of city hall wasn't conducive.

"We need a new city hall complex with the fire and police all in one central location," said resident Oscar Zeller.

The property at the corner of Park Avenue and Riverside Drive could then be used for the community as a park or recreation center.

Creating a downtown area was also a big concern among residents, especially in cleaning up what many consider Edgewater's current downtown.

"One of the biggest eyesores is along U.S. 1," said Rob Skeleton. "The utility poles and lines need to be buried. You will see a substantial difference."

Having more places to work and play in the city are more components to Edgewater's future, residents said.

"We need to create a sense of place," business owner Linda Deborde said. "We need economic development that will bring new businesses."

Other ideas presented at the workshop:

. Residents like the Parktowne Industrial area. It brings economic development to the area and was tucked away in one area.

.Many residents said they felt safe in Edgewater and want to keep that feeling while the city grows.

. Keep current conservation areas, especially near Hammock Creek. The city should also try to create more conservation areas whenever possible.

. Create more sidewalks and bike paths, especially along the riverfront and in Florida Shores.

. Improve the transportation corridors to deal with expected growth.

. Develop a "vibrant" downtown area

. Develop more cultural and recreational activities for families and children.

. Develop more parks, especially along riverfront

. Improve the U.S. 1 corridor

. Attract more economic development that will attract people, businesses and industries to the area while also keeping families here.

Mr. Canin said he was pleased with the results of the workshop.

"It is a long journey," he said. "The first step has to be taken in terms of how to make the community better."

The next workshop will be Saturday Sept. 20 at 9 a.m. in the Edgewater Community Center.