Winter Park closes parking loophole

Parking lots may no longer be able to suddenly morph into office buildings in Winter Park after the City Commission voted to tie up a loose end that Commissioners feared could lead to trouble down the road.

Monday the Commissioners got back to a comprehensive plan amendment that had been on hold, establishing a future land use category of “parking lot” and closing a loophole that could have been abused by developers.

“I don’t think it was that precarious a situation, but this clears the way,” Mayor Ken Bradley said.

That issue was part of a larger problem with growing businesses needing more parking.

“We have to figure out a way — and I think we’re figuring that out — to coexist as the area’s changed over time,” Bradley said.