Seminole County commissioners to discuss big plans for former hot spot

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Commissioners in Seminole County will take up some big plans for a former hot spot.

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Developers want to tear down the old Orlando Jai-Alai building and build a huge living and entertainment complex.

Channel 9′s Q McCray found out the proposed poker room is causing some concerns.

Anna Sutter remembers when Orlando Jai-Alai was the place to be.

Photos: Seminole County commissioners to discuss big plans for former hot spot

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Orlando Jai Alai revamp project (The Cordish Company)

“It was the place to go hang up and have a good time. And I remember the bar. I ain’t gonna lie,” she said.

The gambling spot and bar shut down. A church is renting out the space now and there’s trucker training going on in the back.

“I just think they need to do something with the building,” Sutter said.

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That’s what developer The Cordish Company wants to do. Called Oxford Road Town Center, it would offer more than 1,000 new apartment units and 72,000 square-feet of retail, dining and entertainment space.

Sutter’s all for it. “I think that would be amazing,” she said.

Channel 9 found out it would also create more than 4,500 jobs and generate about $4 million in extra tax revenue for Seminole County.

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But some have issues with the proposed poker room on the property, claiming it could bring crime and gambling addictions to the area.

The Cordish Company said it plans to support the community any way possible.

Sutter hopes the plan goes through.

“Fix it up and make it look beautiful again,” she said.

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The developers will present their plan to the commissioners on Tuesday.

They would like the proposed poker room to be put on the ballot for voters to decide.

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