Ocoee approves final site plan for 45-acre PUD, first reading for panhandling ordinance

1. Second Reading: The Park at 429

The Ocoee mayor and commissioners approved the final site plan for the Park at 429 – a 45.85-acre light industrial/flex office planned unit development located north of Palm Drive, west of State Road 429 and east of E. Crown Point Road. The site will have five buildings totaling 645,000 square feet, and a total of five entrances - two of which will be designated for trucks, Ocoee city planner Mike Rumer noted. Three entrances will be located on E. Crown Point Road and two on Palm Drive. The motion to approve the final site plan was passed unanimously.

2. First Reading: Panhandling restrictions 

In response to a perceived increase in panhandling over the past 18 months, city leaders approved the first reading for an ordinance that aims to restrict panhandling. The ordinance, which is modeled after the panhandling ordinances adopted by Winter Garden and City Of Orlando, will clarify prohibited activities and require panhandlers to register. Individuals will be prohibited from panhandling within 100 feet of any bus or train stop, in any public transportation vehicle or facility, in any city right-of-way, in any public park, fairground or sporting facility, within 100 feet of schools, ATMS or liquor stores, in city-owned parking lots or garages, and on any private property unless permission has been given by the property owner. The second reading and public hearing is scheduled for the March 21 city commission meeting.

IN OTHER NEWS

• District 3 Commissioner Richard Firstner was elected as Mayor Pro Tem for 2027-2018. The position of mayor Pro Tem is elected annually.
• The second reading to proclaim the Ocoee Fire Department as a separate department of the city and lead agency for emergency medical response passed unanimously. The recognition will pave the way for OFD's efforts to acquire international accreditation.
• As part of the consent agenda, city leaders authorized the community grant review board's recommendation to award funding to seven out of the nine applications received from local nonprofit organization seeking a community grant.  Exactly $500 will each be awarded to American Legion Post 109, Barkie's Legacy, Boy Scout Troop 210, Bread of Life Fellowship, Ocoee Little League, Orlando Guardian Football and West Orange Seniors, amounting $3,500.
• Keith Carrington was reappointed to the Community Grant Review Board with a term scheduled to end March 2019.
• City commissioners approved the cancellation of the July 4th commission meeting.

Any residents with concerns or questions may contact City Hall at (407) 905-3100. 

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Contact Gabby Baquero at [email protected]