SANFORD, Fla. — Commissioners voted on the next step to allow an assisted living facility to be built on a prime piece of waterfront land in Sanford.
"I just don't understand why we're selling off our waterfront property," said resident Chris Savage.
Dozens of residents packed the meeting, outraged over plans for a company to build the facility along Sanford's Lake Monroe waterfront.
Residents argued that Marina Island should be used to attract visitors to historic downtown.
"Better to have, I would say, younger people that are going to spend money and drink, eat, bring families to the river," said Savage.
Officials with the development company said they want to build the facility, and promised to put in $15 million to build a new hotel, but only if they get approved for the assisted living facility. The vote approved a zoning change that would allow the type of development the applicant wants.
Residents said an assisted living facility in that area is a horrible fit.
"I think the whole plan is ridiculous, doesn't make sense," said Savage.
Representatives said the hotel is expected to bring 75 jobs at an average salary of more than $37,000, while the assisted living facility is expected to bring 68 jobs at an average salary of about $38,000.