Local

Homeowners meet to discuss Osceola Parkway extension plans

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Dozens of Orange County residents, who could lose their homes to a proposed toll road extension, came together Monday night to discuss how to stop the proposal.

The Osceola County Expressway Authority has a plan to extend the Osceola Parkway to Narcoossee Road in Orange County.

"Lets get together and say how we feel," resident Ben Purdum said. "We don't want your road."

The south Orange County homes belonging to the residents are in the direct path of the Osceola Parkway extension plan.

"We're not going to allow this. No way," one homeowner said.

Dozens of the residents showed up for a community meeting with their county commissioner Jennifer Thompson Monday evening. The group wants answers from a home builder, Lennar Homes, about what it knew about the expressway authority's proposal for the Osceola Parkway extension.

"I purchased the property. I want to keep my property value. I also want to enjoy my home," homeowner Edgar Ortiz said.

Several neighborhoods, including Wyndham Lakes, would be affected by the extension plans. Lennar Homes said Monday night it didn't find out about the plans until May. Many residents told WFTV they learned about the proposal just weeks ago.

"The last thing we want is a road to come through Wyndham Lakes and impact you all in a negative way," said Mark Metheny, with Lennar Homes.

Thompson is trying to get commissioners to support a 'no build' resolution. But she said Orange County can't take any legal action until the Osceola County Expressway Authority picks a final plan for the extension.

An expressway authority meeting scheduled for next week is expected to be packed with homeowners.