ORLANDO, Fla. — The city of Orlando has decided not to move forward with a multi-year proposal to modernize Leu Gardens, citing community feedback and uncertainty surrounding Amendment 3 and future property tax revenues.
Residents who live near the gardens said the decision is a step toward protecting the character of the area.
Joel Perlotto, who lives within walking distance of Leu Gardens, said he was pleased the proposal was canceled.
“We couldn’t be happier,” Perlotto said. “We think that they really didn’t have a plan going forward initially.”
Perlotto was among the residents who attended meetings hosted by Leu Gardens managers and city staff to provide feedback on the master plan.
A city of Orlando spokesperson said the decision to cancel the master plan was made by venues leadership, a city department.
“The next step of this project was demolishing existing building, tearing down trees, building a bigger parking lot, building a new center, hosting more events, potentially doing a bandshell, potentially doing a restaurant,” Orlando City Commissioner for district 3 Roger Chapin said.
Leu Gardens says on its website that there was no plan to add an amphitheater or grow the gardens into a large entertainment venue.
Spectrum News 13 previously reported in December that the plan showed an amphitheater for concerts with terraced seating next to the lake and a restaurant.
Emily Neumann, another area resident who attended community meetings, said she is relieved the project was canceled.
“It definitely needs a little more vetting and community input,” Neumann said.
Neumann said her concerns included noise and traffic congestion the project could have created.
“We don’t want it to become another theme park,” she said.
Chapin said the proposal raised many questions about priorities for the gardens.
“Some people wanted to see an investment in the gardens, some people wanted to see investments in the buildings, some people wanted to see investments in parking,” Chapin said. “So I think you need to go back to the drawing board and decide where those priorities lie.”
Leu Gardens said that even though the process is not moving forward, the gardens still need daily care. The work being considered includes addressing aging infrastructure and maintaining existing buildings and grounds.