ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A surge of new development in West Orange County has neighbors anticipating traffic nightmares and potential crime.
Acres of land near State Road 429 and New Independence Parkway are pegged for development, but some in the area describe it as both a gift and a curse.
"We are looking forward to the whole Hamlin project, which is right down the road," neighbor Jackie Paltjon said. "I think it'll bring our property values up, which is always nice, too."
The development, which will include a new Walmart, means convenience for current residents, who estimate right now that it's a 10- to 15-minute drive to a grocery store or gas station.
Photos: New development in West Orange County
"Our neighbor mentioned there might be a Walmart, which is a little more than we would have wanted," resident Bob Ewald said.
Since March, county commissioners have approved plans for more development along New Independence Parkway.
The plans include a three-lot subdivision and space for four commercial lots, including a grocery store and more retail space.
It's more than neighbors bargained for and is only increasing concerns that shoppers will congest roadways, residents said.
"We live on a corner and on rush hour, the traffic is horrendous already, and this is before the construction," Paltjon said. "There's always a pro and con to everything."
WFTV
