Residents sound off on proposed expansion to Osceola County Parkway

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Residents sounded off Thursday night about a proposed expansion to the Osceola County Parkway that would cut through neighborhoods in Orange County.

Subdivisions like Wyndham Lakes, Fells Landing and Eagle Creek would all get a new backyard view under the plan, and residents packed a meeting to express their frustrations.

“None of these make me happy. Not a one,” said resident Mary Wilson. “They’re building it. Even though last night you said they’re not going to build anything.”

Wilson is one of many residents who vehemently opposed the proposed expansion during a public meeting at Osceola Heritage Park.

“Since the time we were notified, we have learned the time we have invested in our homes and the lives we have established for our families could forever be changes for the worse,” said one unidentified woman at the meeting.

But Expressway Authority officials claim trouble is coming if relief on the roads doesn’t happen soon.

The population of Osceola County is expected to double to more than half a million people by 2040, and Boggy Creek Road is one of many that would be overwhelmed by traffic.

Officials said the project was on the drawing board years ago and Orange County leaders were notified.

“This plan has been in motion for 15 years. It’s nothing new. Everyone in Orange County knew about it,” said resident Scott Sever.

Still, it doesn’t sit well with Wilson.

“I’m here to scream, and roar and say ‘Don’t build this thing,’” she said.

A decision on the potential expansion won’t happen until mid-2015, with many more public meetings before then.

WFTV