Could a new downtown area be coming to the city of Maitland? It’s been talked about for years but steps are being taken to make the talk a reality.
The proposed area would be the corner of 17-92 and Horatio – including where the former Winn-dixie used to be, just across the street from the new Maitland City Hall.
Maitland’s mayor said three developers have approached the city and New Traditions Bank, who currently owns the property and Traditions Plaza.
Proposed would be a new downtown with apartments, retail, and office space where the old supermarket is – and also behind city hall.
“Our citizens want to have a little downtown," said Mayor Howard Schieferdecker. "Everyone has to go out of town to go to places. We want to have our own little downtown. This area here is perfect.”
We spoke to residents who have mixed reactions to the proposed addition.
“The whole community is growing so they have to stick right along if they want to be a part of the growth,” said Maitland resident Mark Thomas.
However, not everyone agrees with Thomas. Margo Turnbell has lived in Maitland since the 1970s and is worried re-development would take away from the small town feel that has been the reason people have come to live there.
“It will be good for the people building it because they will make money and so on," Turnbell said. "But for the residents I think it will take away from the charm of the area.”
The mayor said the cost for the downtown plan would not come out of resident’s pockets but would be paid for by the developers and the city may trade some land for costs.
The mayor also said the number one they need in the early stages of possible development is input from residents.
The three developers will submit their proposals before the Community Redevelopment Agency on Friday morning at 8:30 at Maitland City Hall. Then on Tuesday one will be chosen to be present to the board. That meeting will also be at Maitland City Hall. Both meetings open to the public.