Residents Raise Concerns Over Golf Course Development in Orlando
ORLANDO, Fla. – Residents of the Eagle Creek Golf Club community are expressing growing concerns following news that a portion of their beloved golf course might be transformed into a massive apartment complex. For nearly 20 years, the golf course has been a centerpiece of this gated community near Lake Nona, but it now faces a potential chop of 1.2 acres for a project that aims to add 225 multi-family units and 10 single-family homes.
Community Upheaval
Local residents, including Ric Castro, Bob Rice, and Carlos Garcia, shared their frustration, stating that news of the development has sparked outrage throughout their neighborhood of approximately 2,600 homes. “They are beyond upset, they’re livid,” said Castro. For many families, the appeal of living in this community was greatly influenced by the scenic views and tranquil setting offered by the golf course.
Adding salt to the wound, residents are hear rumors that the developers are seeking permission to build up to five stories high. “When the community was designed back in 2002 and 2003, we had meetings with commissioners who were particularly concerned about _light pollution_ given our proximity to the airport,” shared Rice. “Now, it seems like all those concerns are being tossed aside.”
A Postponed Decision
Initially, a community meeting was scheduled for next week to discuss the development with the local residents, but it has been postponed until this summer. In the meantime, neighborhood residents are left anxiously wondering whether their concerns will be taken into account once the meeting finally takes place. “Definitely home values will go down,” Garcia lamented. “If you have a golf view, that’s a higher appraisal. Without that, your property value is sure to drop.”
Traffic and School Capacity Woes
As if the proposed construction isn’t alarming enough, residents are also troubled by the thought of _increased traffic_ along Narcoossee Road, which has already become a chaotic bottleneck. Neighbors say it’s affecting their daily lives and accessibility to their own gated community.
Furthermore, the influx of new apartments raises concerns about local schools struggling to meet capacity. Currently, Lake Nona High School holds an enrollment of 4,502 students, which is alarmingly over the capacity limit of 2,807, according to recent data from Orange County Public Schools. “The result from all this is going to be highly, highly detrimental to our community and to our residents,” warned Castro.
Developer’s Response Awaited
The developer at the center of this looming controversy, Eagle Creek Development, is the same group that originally created the community nearly two decades ago. News reports indicate attempts to reach the company for comments about the proposed changes were unsuccessful as of the last update.
Community’s Stand
Despite the challenges ahead, residents remain steadfast, ready to voice their concerns at the upcoming meeting whenever it is rescheduled. “This is a very important milestone event,” Rice stated. “You’re trying to chip away at a very active, thriving golf course. It just doesn’t make any sense to us.”
As the clock ticks and opinions stir within the community, many are left wondering about the future of their once peaceful neighborhood. Will compromise be reached? Or will Eagle Creek face an onslaught of opposition from residents determined to protect their slice of paradise?
Stay tuned for developments as this story unfolds.
