ORLANDO, Fla. \u2013 A $61 million event center across from Camping World Stadium cleared a key hurdle Tuesday, bringing the project one step closer to construction as part of Orlando\u2019s larger investment in the area.<\/p>\n
The proposed 140,000-square-foot event center is included in the city\u2019s $400 million Tourist Development Tax investment tied to the renovation of Camping World Stadium. The facility would take up an entire city block along West Church Street, where an existing church and other properties currently sit.<\/p>\n
The Orlando Municipal Planning Board approved a permit needed to demolish the old church and move the project forward.<\/p>\n
Plans call for a central field house that could host sporting and civic events, including having concession area, a mezzanine area as city works to expand its downtown sports and entertainment district.<\/p>\n
Supporters say the project could bring new opportunities to the surrounding community.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was born and raised right here in Orlando,\u201d said Daniel Ings, who runs a Boys 2 Men mentoring program for local kids. \u201cLess than a mile away from here I went to Jones High School. So to see the beautification, to see the various buildings that could bring help and aid to our community \u2014 I give it a thumbs up.\u201d<\/p>\n
But some neighbors have raised concerns about traffic and congestion.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt wouldn\u2019t be a good idea. Too busy,\u201d said Joseph Heywood, who lives across from the proposed site.<\/p>\n
Heywood said traffic is already difficult during events at Camping World Stadium, where a parking lot currently sits across from his apartment complex.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was just a mess,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
According to the project report, city officials say the traffic impact from the event center is expected to be negligible, meaning small. The report states the project is not projected to generate 1,000 average daily vehicle trips or create a 10% increase in traffic on nearby collector or local roads, meaning a formal traffic impact analysis is not required.<\/p>\n
The project plans also include its own parking lot to accommodate visitors.<\/p>\n
Heywood said he hopes city leaders have a plan to manage if there is traffic as development moves forward.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy hope is they have it organized so people who live in the area can get where they need to go without traffic,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The project still needs final approvals from the city before construction can begin. City leaders say construction could start as early as the end of this year.<\/p>\n
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