The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce continues to track progress on three important topics: Economic Recovery, Single Member Districts and the Orange Avenue Overlay. Here’s the latest news and a summary of Wednesday’s City Commission meeting.

Orange Avenue Overlay District (OAO)
The Progress Point Design Statement of Work which engaged local consultants ACi Architects and Land Design was reviewed at the November 5 Commission Work Session. Consultants have been asked to create a conceptual design for the 1.5-acre site, integrating a “Rail Trail” with a Greenway regional design. Improvements to the Progress Point site, including a possible parking garage, were briefly considered in last night’s City Commission meeting but not approved for further discussion at this time.
 
Single Member Districts
The ordinance proposing the city’s charter be amended to add single member districts to the March 9, 2021, election ballot failed upon its first reading last night.

Economic Recovery Strategies
The Economic Recovery Task Force continues to study mitigation strategies for the downtown business districts. They will hear from City staff next week about opportunities to expand WiFi currently offered in Central Park and Shady Park.

Other Commission Meeting Highlights

• Electric fuel rates will be discounted by approximately $600,000 city-wide in 2021.
• A revised Micromobility Ordinance will be presented to the Commission for a new first reading. The ordinance will clarify restrictions regarding electric bikes and scooters in Winter Park’s downtown business districts and is expected to address use of commercially owned and rented devices in Winter Park.
• More than 20 unfunded capital projects were reviewed for interest should funding opportunities be made available through a bond referendum. Six projects were approved for further discussion in early December:
  • $625,000 for IT security improvements for City facilities
  • $1.2 million for Temple Drive stormwater infrastructure improvements
  • $2.47 million for Winter Park Sports Complex and MLK Park playing field improvements
  • $500,000 to build a training facility for Winter Park’s Fire Department
  • $500,000 for Improvements to Mead Garden’s facility, including restrooms and exterior drainage
• Upon its final reading, the Commission approved the single-use plastics policy resolution for municipal facilities.
• Both sign ordinances were approved in their second readings. They will revise regulations on permanent commercial signage as well as temporary signage on private property.
• The first reading of an ordinance amending the City charter to allow single member districts on the March 9 ballot failed 2-2.
• The first reading of an ordinance amending 0-1 conditional use zoning was approved with amendments. It would allow restaurants, cafes, coffee shops and similar food/beverage establishments to operate, for example, in bank lobbies which are otherwise empty.