Local

SunRail wants eyesores cleaned up along new track

ORLANDO, Fla. — In about seven weeks, SunRail passengers will begin boarding trains and riding through central Florida, but much of the track's views are anything but scenic.

Many of the areas around the track look pretty rough and the Florida Department of Transportation is working to improve the scenery.

Graffiti is something that SunRail officials hope passengers won't have to see when they're passing by, so crews are working to clean up the areas around the track, reaching out to partners for help.

Overgrown grass, graffiti and buildings that have seen better days are part of what SunRail passengers will get a look.

"For years, it has been a freight corridor and there are areas that look a little rough," said Steve Olson of FDOT.

FDOT wants to make these areas more attractive, so cres have begun cleaning up the tracks and right of way.

But for the areas the state doesn’t own, FDOT is asking code enforcement in Volusia, Seminole and Orange counties to help with the improvement efforts.

Terrance Lasck works at Ski World, one of the business along the track. He said they make sure they keep the front looking nice, but the back is another story because vandals frequently tag the walls with graffiti.

"Once we cover it up, cover the graffiti with new paint, they come back and do it again," he said.

Lasck said he understands what SunRail is trying to do but doesn't think businesses should have to pay for it.

"I don't see where a business should be forced to beatify what the SunRail is trying to make attractive," he said.

Officials admit it's a process, but they're hoping by the time the train is officially launched in May, the eyesores will be gone.

An Orlando spokesperson told Channel 9 code enforcement has already inspected and notified property owners of any possible code issues.