Winter Garden commission meeting set for Nov. 9

First Reading: Horse-drawn carriages 

As the city of Winter Garden does not currently have any ordinance regulating the use of horse-drawn carriages on the city’s streets, city staff has drafted a proposed ordinance that seeks to establish guidelines regarding where and how horse-drawn carriages may be operated in the city. The proposed ordinance, labeled Ordinance 18-63, addresses the issue of disposal and management of animal waste, proper nutrition and health of horses used in the operation of horse-drawn carriages used for sight-seeing purposes, and rules pertaining to where such carriages may be parked or operated. According to city documents, horse-drawn carriages would be prohibited from operating on Plant and Dillard streets. In addition, animals used to pull carriages will need to wear diapers or "similar devices to prevent manure or droppings" from falling on the street. 

First Reading: Lake Roberts Reserve 

Tonight, the city commission will see the first reading of a proposed ordinance on behalf of an applicant who wishes to annex the Lake Roberts Reserve property into the City of Winter Garden and change the future land use plan to Low-density residential. The applicant’s request for the 78.87-acre property –  located south of Stoneybrook West Parkway, north of McKinnon Road and west of Windermere Road – is being recommended for denial by city staff. The developer plans to develop the property with 87 single-family residences, however, city staff harbor concerns about the potential environmental impacts of constructing a road through the property’s wetland areas. According to city documents, city staff is also concerned about the adverse impacts a roadway in that location may have on surrounding waterbodies, such as Lake Roberts and Lake Reeves.

Any residents with questions or concerns may contact Winter Garden City Hall at (407) 656-4111.