Local

Officials hope to transform downtown Kissimmee into destination

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — It’s been 20 years since downtown Kissimmee has received a facelift, and some have begun to notice. So city officials sought the public's input on how to lure more visitors to the area.

Project leaders surveyed residents to learn what they liked and disliked about downtown Kissimmee.

Many residents said they wanted downtown to blossom into a destination -- not just an area -- and many want it to become more pedestrian friendly.

Feedback indicated that residents would like to see an increase in shopping, dining and entertainment options and parking. They also said traffic congestion should be reduced.

Mo Ramadan, who has lived in the city for 10 years, said he welcomes the improvements so long as they don't take long to complete.

"We have so much going on," he said. "If they can make it wider real quick, real fast and not cause more traffic, then I’ll say yes."

Resident Cliff Johnson said he often exercises in the area, but it's not always easy.

"I walk and ride, and I have to basically look at every single step I’m going, because there’s cracks and holes everywhere," he said.

Project managers created five proposed design plans, two of which stood out to those surveyed.

One plan would have crosswalks, bike lanes and roundabouts serve as a gateway to downtown Kissimmee.

The second option would include outdoor dining, wider sidewalks, bike lanes and reduced cut-through traffic.

Project managers will present the two most popular concepts to the city commission Tuesday at 6 p.m. Commissioners are expected to vote on the project.