Orlando apartment complex proposal raises traffic, congestion concerns

ORLANDO, Fla. — A developer is looking to build a new 450-unit apartment complex across from Orlando's Fashion Square Mall.

It is one of many residential projects in the works in areas that are already plagued with congestion and traffic.

The land near Audubon Park has been empty for years. Now a developer has revamped plans to fill the empty lot, but neighbors nearby have some concerns.

"We certainly are excited as board of directors about the possibility of what they're bringing to the neighborhood," Luke van Blaricom with Audubon Place condos said.

But van Blaricom has mixed feelings about a proposed apartment complex that could back up to his home. The developer wants to build on the land directly behind Target.

The original plans for the complex included two- and four-story buildings, but the developer has submitted an updated proposal to the city that says the building closest to van Blaricom's neighborhood would be at least three stories high.

"Having a four-story building impact the area kind of takes away from the neighborhood feel that we've enjoyed in Audubon," van Blaricom said.

The biggest concern among residents is the amount of traffic that a new complex would bring.

"An addition of 450 units in that area -- that's obviously a pretty big amount of traffic to an already dense traffic area to begin with," van Blaricom said.

WFTV reached out to city officials to see how the proposed apartment complex could impact traffic. Officials said congestion and traffic are factors that are considered before approving new developments.

The city still has to approve the plans before the developer can begin construction, so it's unclear when these apartments would be competed.

WFTV