ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando’s Planning and Zoning Board gave the green light Tuesday to build on land where World War II-era bombs were found.
Plans to build off Lee Vista Road near Routes 408 and 417 had been put on hold while the bombs and grenades were cleaned up by the government, but the board gave the go-ahead to move forward.
Development of the land has been delayed many times as nearby residents looked for answers about the traffic, drainage and service in the area once new homes move in.
“This isn’t where we live, this is where our home is,” resident Robert Davis said.
The land is where the Pinecastle Jeep Range once stood. In 1943, pilots practiced their skills, including dropping bombs, over the area.
The city of Orlando banned any development after a bomb was found in 2007 at Odyssey Middle School.
The Army Corps of Engineers offered to clean up the land years ago at the expense of the government, but the developer couldn’t come to a contract agreement because he wanted more answers about the timing and scope of the cleanup.
A private company will do the job instead and the developers will still ask the government to pay the bill.
Some residents are still concerned about the safety of the area in the long run, with or without the government’s involvement.
“This company has no track record of handling a project of this scope or magnitude and, based on our research, is operating out of someone's garage in a residential neighborhood,” resident John Daly said.
Residents want more time and discussion about what is going on and they said it’s not just about the bombs. They think there is more that the deal is hiding.
Nearby residents said the school district said the land wasn’t safe for children to attend school. Residents want to know why it’s OK for them to live there.
Commissioner Jim Gray said the developer has met with the nearby residents several times.
City planners said the plan is a good one and something will be built there.
WFTV
