Winter Park is looking to change its land-use policies in the coming months in order to encourage and incentivize new development along the south side of W. Fairbanks Avenue between I-4 and Nicolet Avenue.

The well-traveled roadway serves as a main gateway into the city, but most buildings within this 66.8-acre stretch have stood since at least the 1980s, according to a recent study by planning and design firm Inspire Placemaking Collective, which was tabbed by the city to help with the effort.

Inspire also determined that this section of Fairbanks — which includes 22 acres of unincorporated Orange County — consists of 31 vacant privately-owned properties, mostly near the I-4 interchange.

At a planning and zoning commission on Aug. 22, Eric Raasch, principal with Inspire, gave examples of how other cities in Florida have adjusted codes to spur development in targeted areas.

It’s yet to be determined what specific changes, if any, Winter Park will make. The Winter Park City Commission is expected to hash out a game plan for West Fairbanks Avenue at a special work session scheduled for September 14.

He said that one area of focus for redevelopment is an aged-out industrial corridor along the south side of Fairbanks Avenue between Clay Street and Nicolet Avenue.

Source:  GrowthSpotter