ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The years-long plan to extend the Osceola Parkway through Split Oak Forest has reached another bump in the road.
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Vice Mayor and Orange County Commissioner Emily Bonilla of District 5 wants to rescind the Board's approval last month of the nine-mile project, which would build a toll road, in part, through 60 acres of the forest, impacting a total of 160 acres.
Public comment is underway. First speaker is discussing CFX Osceola Parkway Expansion. Some 20+ people have signed up for public comment. Chances are a good number will be about the expansion. @MyNews13 #news13orange #news13orange pic.twitter.com/PQ2tPYGyzw
— Rebecca Turco (@RebeccaTurcoTV) January 28, 2020
Bonilla argues the request for the land exchange was filed under the wrong administrative code. Bonilla told Spectrum News 13 the Florida Communities Trust recommended the request be refiled under another rule, which is why she brought forth a motion of intent at Tuesday morning’s meeting.
At the meeting, Bonilla announced her intent to rescind the Board’s approval of the parkway expansion. There was no objection and the mayor agreed the motion would be heard at the next commission meeting on February 11.
That vote will require a supermajority, according to commission officials.
Central Florida Expressway officials argue the expansion is not a land exchange, because the county retains ownership of the land. Officials say the project has been 15 years in the making and is necessary for the rapidly growing county.
The parkway expansion would connect State Road 417 to new and planned developments.