Save Eola Park in Orlando, Florida

Orlando, Florida -- In every neighborhood there is a special, cherished park where with large, undisturbed trees (and waterfront on occasion) as well as the community warmth allows those that take advantage of it, to walk their dogs, take the kids out to play, or just sit under a tree and read. With the economy taking a turn for the worst, it is times like these when people often resort to no-cost activities such as a day at the park.

In the downtown core of Orlando, Florida, a beautiful park named Eola Park surrounding Lake Eola is currently in jeopardy of being destroyed. A large portion of this city's land which is being used as open park land and a venue for many events including the local farmer's market may soon be no more.

A company named Eola Capital owns three home sites and has contracts on two home sites along neighboring streets; Washington Avenue and around the corner of Eola Street, all within the perimeter of Lake Eola Park. This City's Growth Development Plan allows Eola Capital, as the property owner, to build up to 40 feet for an office building or up to 55 feet for a residential/mixed use building. The zoning was in place at the time EC purchased the property.

Eola Capital is now asking the City to allow them to build on open green park space at the corner of Eola Street and E. Central Boulevard. On August 19, EC signed a pre-application to allow amended zoning to construct a 200' office building on the City owned park land. On October 6, 2008 the City agreed to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with Eola Capital to legally review the details of such a land exchange.

Unfortunately, Eola Capital's exchange plan would burden the City with 80-yr old buildings in need of expensive restoration and renovation, something the City cannot afford with today's economy. Eola Capital would then receive what could be the most desirable piece of land in the whole city. The difference in the value of these two parcels is unbelievable. Our community would lose public park space that cannot be recovered. The houses that Eola Capital controls have been denied Historic designation twice, and Eola Capital can build up to the current zoning maximum of 55' at any time according to their property rights. Any building higher than 55 ft, would require the City Commission to affirmatively amend the Growth Management Plan, which Save Eola Park opposes.

The 'Save Eola Park' group suggests to Eola Capital that they either:

1. Build according to the current zoning of 55' maximum on their property, or

2. Gift or sell their property to the City of Orlando, thereby expanding and preserving Lake Eola Park.

Recently, on Sunday October.19^, 2008 there was an opportunity for all who oppose it, to protest in hopes of preserving the park land for recreational purposes. On October.21, 2008, the citizen Municipal Planning Board heard Eola Capital's application for amended zoning. The outcome is to be announced.

For anyone wondering how the city can trade the park's green space, it is simple. This particular space is city owned land, rather than dedicated park space donated to the City of Orlando. The city can opt to use this property in any manner it so chooses that might align with their Growth Management Plan.

For all local residents and those strongly opposed to such a motion to scale back on precious park land in lieu of a high rise building, please email or write our local officials to tell them to extend, not reduce park space. Here is a dedicated website link, it will provide those city officials that can be contacted.

http://www.saveeolapark.com/WhatYouCanDo.html

Together we can make a difference!