The most newsworthy topic from the meeting was the presentation by Zach Iikols, chief resilience manager for Cape Canaveral, who shared insights into the flood mitigation projects being implemented in the neighboring city that could inform Cocoa Beach’s efforts. Iikols highlighted the ongoing challenges posed by the region’s coastal location, particularly the prevalence of impervious surfaces that exacerbate flooding. He outlined a system of remote sensor sites that provide real-time data on street conditions, which is important for engineering projects like the presidential streets master plan aimed at addressing chronic flooding.

A highlight of Iikols’ presentation was the Veterans Memorial Park Smart Rain Garden, a project funded by a $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation. Designed to improve biodiversity and manage stormwater, the garden incorporates native plants and sensors to monitor water levels. Reports from residents noted a decrease in flooding on nearby streets since its implementation. This project exemplifies the potential for green infrastructure to provide both aesthetic and functional benefits, with Iikols emphasizing the importance of data in validating the effectiveness of such initiatives.

Flood management strategies were further addressed with the introduction of the Center Street Pump Station, capable of pumping 6,000 gallons per minute to alleviate urban flooding. The station includes a tidal valve to prevent lagoon water from entering the stormwater system during high tides, though it does not mitigate storm surges originating from the lagoon. This limitation underscores the necessity for continuous assessment of groundwater infiltration and potential improvements to the system.

In addition to flood mitigation, the meeting also delved into affordable housing development, particularly through the insights shared about the Pinnacle 441 project. The competition for these credits is high, with Florida receiving around $67.88 million annually, facilitating the construction of numerous affordable units statewide.

The meeting explored the potential for public-private partnerships to advance affordable housing initiatives in Cocoa Beach, with discussions on leveraging surplus government-owned land. The concept of form-based zoning was highlighted as a flexible alternative to traditional zoning, allowing for developments that better meet community needs. The Live Local Act was noted for enabling unsolicited proposals for surplus properties, potentially paving the way for future affordable housing projects.

Challenges such as short-term rentals and their impact on housing availability were also discussed, along with the regulatory complexities surrounding affordable housing commitments, which can range from 50 to 99 years. The board emphasized the need for strategic planning and community engagement to address both flood and housing challenges effectively.