Now that the City Commission has taken its first vote to approve the amended Orange Avenue Overlay District, I’d like to give you an update on what has transpired and next steps.
 
But first, I want to thank everyone who supported the Chamber’s efforts to pass the original Overlay proposal by either speaking at a City Commission meeting, signing a letter of support or calling members of the commission or Mayor Leary.
 
Our goal was to create new opportunities for our community and businesses by supporting the Overlay District. The Commission didn’t fully embrace them. More than 40 amendments to the Overlay were proposed, with most approved, changing such important aspects as height restrictions, floor to area ratio, and flexibility in design that would greater benefit the community as a whole.
 
However, it was a big step for the Board to approve the Overlay. It sets the framework for public/private partnerships to be the economic engine that helps solve Orange Avenue’s problems. The framework put in place by the Planning Department and Steering Committee remains mostly intact. We will now pursue refinements and tweaks.
 
Keep in mind that last week’s vote was the Overlay proposal’s first reading. The parts of the city’s comprehensive plan that are affected now go to the state for ratification. It will then come back to the City Commission for a second reading and final approval.
 
We at the Chamber take our role as advocates for our members and community very seriously and I believe being a strong voice on such important and impactful measures is our rightful charge.
 
For more information, you can read my Guest Column  that ran in the Orlando Sentinel on Jan. 9, 2020.