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This weekend I ran into and received e-mails from several people who mentioned the article in The St. Augustine Record (from Saturday, March 8) in regards to the Vilano Beach Town Center development being "on hold".  Several folks that read the article were under the impression that the town center development had ceased and that it will not be completed.

I read the article and can understand why they had this impression based on some of the wording within the article.  It was a bit confusing.  However, the Vilano Beach Town Center redevelopment will continue now and into the future.  Unless there is something I am completely unaware of at this time, the streetscape and all of the improvements that go along with it should be completed this year. This includes the completion of all underground storm water management systems, paving, curb and gutter, signage, 10 foot sidewalks with pavers, landscaping, etc.

It seems that many people equate the entire redevelopment project with the "Waters Edge at Vilano" project.  The "Water's Edge at Vilano" project is simply the first mixed use development that has been planned for the Vilano Town Center...there are others planned and they will likely happen (including Water's Edge) at some point in the future after the streetscape is completed.  There is so much money invested in the commercial property within the Vilano Town Center that the development will certainly continue.

Unfortunately the first phase of the "Water's Edge at Vilano" project has been delayed substantially, and a Publix grocery store is planned for this development.  Since this will be the location of the grocery store it is certainly a disappointment that it has been delayed.  We will all have to wait a bit longer for the grocery store that we are looking forward to.  But I do believe it will happen and I have not heard of or seen any evidence to the contrary. 

As with any potential development things can happen that cause delay, a change in plans or strategy, or cancelation.  In the case with Water's Edge there are at least several things that could happen to speed up the process, however the current economic environment may need to improve prior to commencement of construction for this project. This situation is not unlike many other delays that are occurring with developments all over Northeast Florida and throughout the U.S. 

Based on my current knowledge of the entire Vilano Town Center redevelopment project and the Water's Edge development, I am still very optimistic that the communities of Vilano, South Ponte Vedra Beach, and St. Augustine will benefit greatly from current and future improvements, including a grocery store.