MAITLAND, Fla. \u2014 Maitland is preparing to begin construction on a $3.5 million extension of Independence Lane downtown, a project city officials said they hope will improve parking access for businesses and help attract more development.<\/p>\n
The project will extend Independence Lane 600 feet north across Horatio Avenue to George Avenue.<\/p>\n
The extension will match the existing Independence Lane with brick pavers and wide concrete walkways for pedestrian traffic. At some point during the six-month construction period, Horatio Avenue will be closed at Independence Lane.<\/p>\n
Independence Lane was reconstructed in 2018 and has become known for shops, restaurants and the nearly 250 apartments inside the Maitland City Centre. City officials have said the area has helped create a downtown in\u00a0Maitland\u00a0that the city has sought for decades.<\/p>\n
Kristin Bray, owner of Young Chefs Academy Maitland, said she chose Independence Lane for its foot traffic and proximity to communities in Orange and Seminole counties.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have a lot of community engagement,\u201d Bray said. \u201cSo, with the Farmer\u2019s Market, it\u2019s really, really nice. We have actually a train station that\u2019s right down the road.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bray opened the Maitland franchise after moving back to Central Florida more than five years ago. She said the academy gives children a place to learn cooking skills without technology in the classroom.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo technology in our classrooms, honestly, is one of the best things that kind of gives them that freedom of creativity and to explore the benefits of what cooking and joy all comes together,\u201d Bray said.<\/p>\n
Bray said she and her staff are preparing for the construction and its impact on traffic, but hopes the project will support businesses in the long term.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m excited for the expansion of it because more families that come into the environment also just grows businesses through the area,” Bray said. “And that\u2019s always good for Orange County and Maitland itself.”<\/p>\n