Winter Garden moves forward with truck-ban ordinance

Winter Garden commissioners have approved an ordinance banning certain classifications of trucks from using a portion of Marsh Road, but enforcement of the ban is on hold.

During their April 8 meeting, city leaders spent more than 45 minutes hearing from community stakeholders and deliberating on next steps. 

On one hand, representatives from the city of Clermont and Lake County – including Clermont Mayor Tim Murry and Lake County Public Works Director Fred Schneider – as well as those representing Titan America pleaded with city staff for more time to negotiate and find solutions. 

Jennifer Rafferty, general counsel for Titan America, suggested a different idea to help control traffic with the goal of a material reduction in traffic that flows through Marsh Road. In this case, Rafferty said, Titan America would support a ban on through traffic – or traffic not making local stops, pickups or deliveries.

City Manager Mike Bollhoefer told commissioners that with the requests for more time, the city has another shot to continue trying to come up with creative solutions and discuss those that have been brought to the table. Although commissioners ultimately voted to adopt the ordinance, Bollhoefer said the city will hold off on enforcement for the time being in favor of further negotiations.