Oakland hires firm for development opportunity study

The Oakland Town Commission has selected David Wince Ltd., of Orlando, to conduct a development opportunity study at a cost of $60,000.

The project will include market research, land planning, architecture and economic analysis. The results of this study will provide “a tool in attracting high-quality and diversified commercial development to the town of Oakland,” Town Manager Steve Koontz said.

The town requested proposals in January, received two from qualified companies by the February deadline and conducted interviews with both respondents before selecting the Wince architectural firm.

“(The study) is going to begin with a market analysis that will help to determine the kind of development, such as hotels and restaurants … and try to come up with some opportunities to market the town,” Koontz said. “We’re just looking for some help with the economic development.”

In its proposal, Wince Ltd. agreed to provide the following:

• Identification of target building and business types to establish a walkable multi-use community hub of mixed residential, retail, civic, academic and integrated health and wellness services.

• Analysis of market data in relationship to target building types and businesses; including the target demographics and demand.

• Identification of potential opportunities and a development strategy for a sustainable healthy lifestyle community consistent with the town of Oakland’s established plans.

The Wince team will present its findings of the study to the Town Commission at the end of July.

IN OTHER NEWS:

• Police Chief Steve Thomas announced in a department memo that officers Tim Smith and Estid Lima have been promoted to the rank of police corporal.

• Commissioners approved a proposed salary increase for teachers at Oakland Avenue Charter School. Orange County Public Schools pays starting teachers $40,650, and the starting salary at OACS was $38,000. The new pay rate will range from $40,576 to $43,338, depending on experience.

• Town Planner Jay Marder informed the commission that eight lots in Phase 6A of Oakland Park are being reconfigured to provide eight Lake Apopka lake-view lots instead of the originally planned four lake-view/four interior-lots design. This does not change the number of lots or the open space between them, and the width of the proposed lots is similar to the lot widths of the existing lots.

• The commission approved, under the consent agenda, the purchase of an additional playground structure, as well as a new shade cover, for the charter school at a cost of about $40,000. The Physical Education mandates require 150 minutes of physical activity each week, which means nearly 100 students must be on the playground at the same time to fulfill this requirement. The current structure is not large enough to accommodate that many. The PTO will use money from its various fundraisers and the upcoming gala to pay for the project, and the school will cover the rest.