New development could bring more popular stores, restaurants to Winter Park

WINTER PARK, Fla. — A proposed lakeside development near Winter Park Village could bring popular stores and restaurants to the area.

WFTV's Tim Barber learned that the project, which would sit across the street from Winter Park Village would add more than 600 cars a day to busy U.S. Route 17-92. But city officials said that number is nothing to get worried about.

Susie Kerr lives next door to where the project is expected to go.

"It is already so busy now. Just getting across the street you are taking your life in your hands," said Kerr.

Winter Park Village brings a lot of traffic to the area, but city officials said the stoplight at Morse Boulevard will control most of the cars by ushering them right into the middle of the new development.

City leaders said the additional cars would not have a big impact and they believe the lakeside development is a perfect fit.

Preliminary renderings show it's expected to be an upscale development.

The developer has a letter of intent with Ruth's Chris Steak House to move out of Winter Park Village and into the new development.

There is also talk in the development community suggesting that Trader Joe's might join.

The developer said he would love to bring in the popular grocery chain, but he wouldn't confirm whether they were in talks.

The developer said he is also working to bring in high-end retailers.

Kerr worries the plaza could be too popular.

"I mean these people are going to have to put gates up to keep people from parking illegally here," she said, talking about her neighborhood.

The plans for the development will go in front of the City Commission on Monday.

WFTV