LAKE MARY, Fla. — Many Lake Mary homeowners are upset over plans to expand a busy rest stop on Interstate 4.
The Lake Mary rest stop along I-4 is popular with truck drivers and is constantly packed with semi trucks. Channel 9 found out the Florida Department of Transportation is considering the location for the future site of a regional traffic management center for FDOT and the Florida Highway Patrol.
Homeowners who live close to the rest stop said they have major concerns, primarily with air quality and noise.
"It's a health issue. Trucks have no business parking in a residential area whatsoever," resident Judy Parr said.
Parr has lived in the Northridge neighborhood for more than 30 years. It's just one of a few communities that are located just beyond a fence that borders the rest stop.
The plans for a regional traffic management center originally called for a two-story, 50,000 square-foot building, but were scaled back to a one-story building. The proposal still includes increased parking for more semi trucks.
A state study from a few years ago shows that other sites in Volusia County would be suitable alternatives to the Lake Mary location, but would cost more. FDOT said it is seriously considering other locations for the project.
Homeowners plans to meet with FDOT officials for the second time in June. If the project is approved, construction would likely begin in December.
WFTV
