Parramore Residents v. Planners

Parramore district residents react to Orlando Mayor's controversial land buys

By Kelli Cook, Reporter
Last Updated: Wednesday, March 06, 2013, 6:34 PM

Land purchased in Orlando's historic Parramore district is causing controversy. On February 25, the city council approved the purchase of four parcels of land between West Church Street and West Central Boulevard for about $4 million. "We have targeted the church street corridor for a sports and entertainment corridor", said Mayor Buddy Dyer. "Over the last eight years we have made a lot of strategic land purchases." However, it was just discovered Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, using his executive powers, has been making strategic moves without the council's approval. According to purchase options agreement contracts, there were more than 20 additional parcels in Parramore purchased worth another $4 million since June of last year. The mayor said he has the right to make those purchases. "No the council has voted to give me the authority to make purchases up to a certain amount," said Mayor Dyer. "And a lot of times, they are strategic before the land values are driven up." Mayor Dyer said all the council members were briefed before he made the purchases. The mayor said the purchased property could be the site of a new major league soccer stadium in Orlando. It could also be a town center sort of like a festive park, he said. As plans for Parramore grow, so do concerns for some of its residents. Some are worried the commercial expansions could affect their homes. Lawrence Johnson has lived in Parramore since 1960.

"It's all good for the future, but for the people that have been here all their life it's kind of rough," said Lawrence Johnson. "Because a lot of people that have been living here and don’t know no other way, but here."

The new commercial development could also affect business owners. Dr. Shakeel Khan was forced to move his walk-in clinic on Division Street three years ago to make way for the new Amway Center.

"It's not good for me, but it's good for the city," said Dr. Khan.

Now his clinic and car wash are again feet away from another possible new stadium. "I've got habit of moving now, so what difference does it make," said Dr. Khan. While Dr. Khan is at peace with the city's progress, farther south, others are looking for a little more attention. "How about Parramore South, between Gore and Anderson?" asked Harry Amos. "What are you building up here?" Amos is the principal at Harvest Baptist Christian Academy, which is near the corner of Anderson Street and Parramore Avenue. He says he feels left out.

"You don't see a McDonald’s coming here. You don't see a Burger King coming here," said Amos. "You don't see some of the other big companies coming unless it's geared towards Parramore North or Parramore East headed towards the arena."

Mayor Dyer said he has a vision of developing the Church Street corridor from the Amway Center all the way to the Citrus Bowl.

Link to Article:My News 13