Winter Park residents speak out against more development on U.S. 17-92

WINTER PARK, Fla. — Concerns were strongly voiced at a meeting Thursday night about a proposed development in Winter Park.

The shops, apartments and restaurants would go up along a busy stretch of U.S. 17-92, across the road from where a new Trader Joe’s and Shake Shack are already causing parking nightmares.

Many residents are fearful of more development in the area.

“We have so much development in our community, it’s concerning,” said resident Diane Yankalevich.

“I think there are a lot of residents that are concerned about overbuilding in Winter Park and that's something I share a concern with as well,” said resident Bill Deuchler.

Unicorp National Developments will turn the Best Western Mount Vernon Inn into a lively, 33,000 square-foot, three-story retail center with 77 luxury residences.

“I think we need a moderately priced hotel instead of high-end apartments,” Yankalevich said.

Developer Chuck Whittall assured everyone that the center will have three ways to get in and out, including one on busy U.S. 17-92.

He held the meeting to get input and ideas from residents, and wasn’t concerned by all the concerns shared.

“The voices of opposition are always louder than the voices in favor,” he said.

Those voices will likely stay strong during the development.

WFTV