ORLANDO, Fla. – A community meeting took place Tuesday evening as residents and officials discussed the future of the troubled Tymber Skan on the Lakes condominiums.
Commissioners are considering forcing the sale of the complex, located off Texas Avenue, to allow for redevelopment of the area.
The Orange County complex has long been plagued by crime, and several units are currently without running water. However, some residents still living in the complex express concerns about having nowhere else to go if the sale proceeds.
Cynthia Claytor, a longtime Tymber Skan resident, said she fears being forced out of her home.
“We feel like we are being targeted,” Claytor said.
She spoke one-on-one with Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings following the meeting, expressing concerns for elderly residents like herself.
“We don’t want to be displaced,” she said.
Claytor and other residents have been working to improve conditions following the demolition of 84% of the complex’s buildings.
“We can only fix it if we are given the opportunity,” she said. “All the cleaning that happened last weekend, we paid for that ourselves.”
However, some community members believe demolition is the only solution.
Tiffany Choate, who lives in a neighboring property, cited ongoing safety concerns.
“The drugs, prostitution, gunshots,” Choate said. “Tymber Skan used to be a beautiful community.”
During the meeting, Orange County officials explained that the county first intervened in 2014 when the condo association fell behind on its water bill. Officials suggested that a sale of the property might be necessary, noting that only 56 residents remain.
Orange County Commissioner Mike Scott reassured residents that their concerns would be considered.
“Whatever happens, I don’t want you to be in a situation where you don’t have a place to stay,” Scott said. “The county helps you for a few months and figures it all out.”
Scott said he will present the community’s feedback to the Orange County Commission on March 11.
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