Winter Garden commissioners discuss Brandy Creek drainage, future projects

Drainage issues within the Brandy Creek subdivision of Winter Garden has concerned residents, as groundwater has ponded in areas not intended for waters. Residents, fearing health and safety issues of such drainage, have asked the City for help. 

According to the city of Winter Garden, more than 70% of lot owners in the subdivision have signed a petition asking the city to move forward with the repair of the drainage. 

The city has agreed to pay for part of the project out of the stormwater fund. On Thursday, commissioners approved a non-ad valorem assessment to cover the resident’s share of the cost of the project. 

Crooked Can to host Microsoft

Commissioners approved special event at the Crooked Can Brewery. Crooked Can will host a private event  7 to 11 p.m. Thursday, July 21 for 500 Microsoft employees.

The event would have a stage with live entertainment and would require the closure of South Central Avenue from Plant Street to Smith Street.

Newton Park

Commissioners also agreed to look into the dock at Newton Park before the next commission meeting. 

The dock is in need of repair, but commissioners are hesitant to invest a large sum of money into the dock, only to see more money need to be poured into it when more changes come to the park down the road. 

Shepherd's Hope

Shepherd’s Hope has been awarded funds to build an office, and that office might be coming to Winter Garden. 

Shepherd's Hope is in talks with the city to put this facility at 455 Ninth Street, where residents below the poverty line could receive healthcare. 

The city is also interested in taking the community garden at this site, hoping it will a space where entrepreneurs in the community can grow vegetables, ultimately bringing a smaller farmers market to the community. 

The city hopes to work on partnerships with the people in the east Winter Garden community to ensure the project is successful. 

The project will be discussed in more detail at a future city commission meeting. 

The CRA Advisory Board convened to approve a facade matching grant applied for by Winter Garden Investments at 100 W. Plant Street.