- April 25, 2024
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WINTER GARDEN — The Cypress Reserve development in southwest Winter Garden took another step toward starting construction April 9, when the City Commission approved its plat for phase one.
Taylor Morrison, developer of several communities in the Orlando area and throughout Florida, plans to build 86 single-family lots on this former Mathews Grove property. It is located on SunRidge Boulevard, east of Avalon Road and west of Siplin Road.
The Planning and Zoning Board recommended approval. The only question came from Commissioner Kent Makin, who asked how close the homes in lots 31-34 will be situated on the street. He thought the planned curve in the road at that point might create some safety issues if the homes were built too close to the road.
Community Development Director Ed Williams answered that the plan called for the homes in those lots to be set back 40 feet or more from the street. He didn’t anticipate any safety issues.
Taylor Morrison wanted a more costly landscaping on the road and right-of-way than the city would normally provide. The developer agreed to design and pay the cost for landscaping and maintenance on the right-of-way going forward. The homeowners association will take ownership from the developer once the development has achieved between 50 and 60 certificates of occupancy.
WITH GRATITUDE
Willie Fulmore, owner of the property at 740 W. Ninth St., addressed the commission March 12 about a foul odor he smelled on his property. He expressed surprise that the odor persisted even after the recent completion of the Ninth Street lift project. Fulmore raised health concerns and asked the city to respond. City Manager Mike Bollhoefer promised to send someone to the property as soon as possible.
Fulmore returned to the meeting on April 9 to thank the commission and city staff.
“My wife told me preachers never repent, but (city staff) came and they gave me good service,” he said.
He referred to his March 12 talk to the commission.
“I was so dramatic then, and I thought I’d be dramatic now and thank you,” Fulmore said.
He said the city made some adjustments and discovered an issue with his plumbing that he fixed.
• The commission proclaimed April Water Conservation Month, in partnership with the state of Florida. April is usually one of the driest months in the state. The commission and the state hope to make every Floridian aware of the importance of water conservation and take steps as individuals to conserve water. The proclamation states “every business, industry, school and citizen can make a difference when it comes to conserving water.”
• Officials unanimously passed the second reading of an ordinance to allow the transfer of road impact fees to certain properties when those fees can be used to redevelop blighted properties. The ordinance gives the commission the power to do this, but each time it is used, it must come before the commission for approval, Bollhoefer said. The ordinance formalizes the initiative commissioners already approved to support development efforts at the corner of Dillard Street and State Road 50.
• Commissioners unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance to rezone 0.316 acres at 553 W. Plant St., on the north side of the street, from city R-NC residential neighborhood commercial to city C-1 Central commercial district. This property has housed an auto repair shop since 1947. The ordinance legalizes that use and enables the owner to sell the property and business in the near future. The second reading will take place at the meeting on April 23. Commissioner Kent Makin recused himself from the vote.
• The commission postponed the first reading of ordinances to annex and rezone 0.22 acres at 360 W. Story Road.
Williams said Orange County permitted home construction on the property when it was part of the county. City staff would like more time to work through the permitting and plans before the property becomes part of the city.
• Commissioners proclaimed April Autism Awareness Month in Winter Garden, and officially proclaimed April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day. Although the city commemorated the day by supporting autism-awareness activities on April 2, this proclamation made it official. Winter Garden residents Henry and Mimi Wright, and their son, Victor, who has autism, attended the meeting. On April 2, more than 16,000 buildings around the world were bathed in blue light to call attention to the fight against autism. Henry Wright, a member of the Winter Garden Masonic Lodge, arranged for those lights to turn blue as well. Wright said, “Going blue for our city is a great thing. We want to say thank you.” The proclamation states that “autism is the fastest growing developmental disability in the United States” and affects more than three million people.
