MAITLAND, Fla. — Supporters are pushing back against the people attacking a project that could bring a downtown to Maitland.
The development would turn the old Winn Dixie plaza on Orlando Avenue into shops restaurants.
The plans for 220 upscale apartment and 35,000 square feet of shops and restaurants would change the landscape of the all but abandoned city block.
“I drive by here every day and it’s been here for over a decade. There’s nothing that’s been done with it. I don’t understand as a resident why we haven’t done anything yet,” said resident Jeremy Good.
But the plans have faced some local opposition.
Like countless other recent proposals, resident have fought the apartment component.
But the developer said if residents aren’t part of the project, shops and restaurant won’t come and the area may never change.
“For 10 years it’s been empty. It doesn’t generate any tax revenue for the city. It doesn’t generate destination for our city. It’s just an empty building,” said resident Gus Bobes.
While the developer can’t name tenants yet, he said they will be ones not yet in central Florida.
“This is something that would be unique and extraordinary, local and independent so the city of Maitland could say ‘We have something very different from everyone else,’” said Brian Grandstaff of Millenia Partners.
Leaders will vote on the project Monday, and it’s expected to be close.
Related Story: Maitland residents show support for downtown development project
WFTV
