WINTER PARK, Fla. – Commissioners in Winter Park have approved the purchase of a retail property that would clear the way for a road expansion project on Fairbanks Avenue.
During a meeting on Wednesday, the city commission voted unanimously to buy the 1-acre site at 929-957 W. Fairbanks Ave.
The city plans to use the property to build out a left turn lane in both directions at the intersection of Denning Drive.
Previously, the city bought an adjacent property to build a right-turn lane on southbound Denning Drive.
Prior to Wednesday’s vote, business owners on the purchased property raised concerns about the changes.
Jackie Moore owns Austin’s Coffee and said the costs could be overwhelming.
“You would be displacing businesses that have been there for decades. Minority-owned businesses,” Moore said.
Michael Collantes, owner of Soseki, a Michelin-starred restaurant, said he hopes the plans don’t force his business to change locations.
“I would hate to pick up and move this restaurant that we put our blood sweat and tears in and move it out of Winter Park,” Collantes said.
Winter Park Mayor Sheila DeCicco said there are a lot of options on the table, including shifting building orientation.
DeCicco said the city will work with the businesses as plans move forward.
“We are going to honor all of the leases. Not terminate. Not try and buy you out or anything like that,” she said.
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