Developer Wants To Fix Winter Park Eyesore

Posted: 4:14 pm EDT April 11, 2011Updated: 6:02 pm EDT April 11, 2011

WINTER PARK, Fla. -- A developer has a plan to build a shopping center similar to the Winter Park Village, and it would be right across the street from it.

The near-40 acres of land along Lee Road, between Hwy-17/92 and I-4 in Winter Park is run down. The few rental houses that are left are dilapidated or boarded up. Residents who still own property around the eyesore said they are ready for change.

"It's gone downhill a lot. Lot of drugs, lot of police out here. So, mostly anything would help it right now," homeowner Phyllis Parker said.

Developer Dan Bellows bought the majority of the land. For six years, he's tried to build a mix of commercial and residential space. Plans call for nearly 500 affordable apartments, 300 hotel rooms, and possibly a Walmart, Kohls and various restaurants.

The city of Winter Park was resistant because of the proposed size and density; city rules restrict buildings taller than six stories. So, the developers got the land de-annexed from the city and into Orange County.

Now, Winter Park has no say over what happens to the land and Orange County is in the process of re-zoning it to allow 1.8 million square feet of development, which is three times the size of Winter Park Village, with buildings as high as ten stories.

"I have mixed feelings. I've lived here almost 17 years," homeowner Deborah O'Neal said.

Homeowners who refuse to sell to the developer said they are worried about increased traffic. Some in Winter Park worry there will be a request to re-annex back into Winter Park after the construction.

"We don't need anymore low-income housing," homeowner Phyllis Parker said.

There will be a public hearing on the issue Tuesday.

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