SANFORD, Fla.,None — The city of Sanford is getting a boost from the U.S. Army.
An $8 million Army Reserve training center is going up at Lake Mary Boulevard and Skyway Drive near the Orlando-Sanford International Airport.
Eugene Chambers moved to Sanford in Seminole County for its vast land. The only things near his home seem to be orange trees and the occasional car.
But soon 18 acres down the road near Lake Mary Boulevard will house a 36,000-square-foot Army Reserve center. The cost? $8 million.
"Well maybe that will change the scenery back in here a little," Chambers said.
The Army Reserve is also moving to Sanford for the land. The complex will have three buildings, one of which will be a brand new training facility.
More than 100 soldiers from two units are already planning on moving in, and the Army said it's likely that even more will follow, which sounds pretty good to the city of Sanford.
"How can you say no to an $8 million investment that will bring in jobs to the community?" Sanford economic development director Nicholas Mcray said.
Mcray said the Army Reserve picked Sanford, but also picked the land because it's within a mile of the airport.
Down the other side of the road, Chambers likes his peace and quiet, but in the name of new jobs, he says a little hustle and bustle won't hurt.
"Oh well, I guess that would be all right," Chambers said.
The official groundbreaking will be on Saturday. Construction will be complete next year.
WFTV
