By Roger Jimenez, Interning Correspondent for The Apopka Voice
In Summary:
Apopka’s City Council has approved an amendment to the Kelly Park Road pioneering agreement, formally adding RCS Construction Company after developers selected the firm through a competitive bid. During the meeting, residents voiced concerns about project delays, funding transparency, and the status of nearby roadway improvements, such as those on Golden Gem Road.
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The Apopka City Council, at its December 3rd meeting, approved an amendment to the Kelly Park Road pioneering agreement that adds RCS Construction Company to the project’s list of approved contractors. The change does not alter the core terms of the agreement but expands the roster of eligible builders.
Related: Apopka approves sixth extension for Golden Gem road project amid resident concerns.
City Attorney Cliff Shepard outlined the reasoning behind the update, noting that RCS has consistently submitted competitive bids, demonstrated high-quality work, and been fully vetted by the project’s developers, the Galvin family. He added that the original agreement—signed more than a year ago—did not include RCS because the developers were not yet familiar with the company.
“RCS Construction Company of Central Florida is a qualified construction company that the Gavins have fully vetted, and most of the developers are well familiar with their work and think they could be the best party to complete this work,” said Shepard.
Joseph Beninati, founder and development coordinator of Wyld Oaks, further clarified that the amendment stems from a “strictly run bidding process” in which RCS ultimately emerged as the selected contractor. He emphasized that the question of who will serve as the final contracting party, whether the city or a designated entity, remains undecided and was not part of this update.
Residents raised several concerns regarding the Kelly Park Road project, including the risk that further delays could increase overall costs, as well as questions about how impact fees and other funding sources would be allocated. Some questioned future improvements to Golden Gem Road and the possibility of heightened project contingencies.
Rod Olson questioned why housing appears occupied before roadway improvements are complete.
“In the initial pioneering agreement, my understanding was that no certificates of occupancy would be issued until the Kelly Park Road was brought up to standards. And yet, we have development opening, and there's been no improvements at Kelly Park other than the immediate entrance into the developments,” said Olson.
“I've been really happy with the way the developers have handled things in the Kelly Park area. I'm not so happy with the way the city has handled things. They've not been forthcoming with information, and there are a lot of questions that remain unanswered,” said Apopka resident Albert McKimmie. “From my recollection, there was $20 million unaccounted for [in the agreement], and that would allow for work to be done on Golden Gem Road. So my question is: with the delays the developers have faced, will that significantly increase the costs to Kelly Park Road? If it does, how is that going to affect the work that we are required to do on Golden Gem Road?”
Beninati responded, “As for Golden Gem, we are very encouraged to see the city and the county making some progress on that. As some of the commissioners certainly know, but some of the public may not, we have contributed thousands of linear feet of right-of-way for the expansion of the Golden Gem Road. So eventually we would love to see that road built as well.”
Council discussion also touched on cost contingencies. Commissioner Nick Nesta wondered whether a plan was in place in case the project became more expensive than anticipated. Shepherd explained that roughly $9.7 million in impact fees have already been collected and could be used to cover unforeseen expenses, but only with the pioneers’ consent.
“They talked, and then each one separately wrote a letter to the city saying they’re okay with the city using the impact fees to cover any shortage if it becomes necessary to do so…” Shepard said.
Wyld Oaks also outlined several key goals for its role in the Kelly Park Road initiative, emphasizing infrastructure, funding, community collaboration, and long-term strategic development. The developer plans to construct a modern four-lane roadway equipped with 10-foot sidewalks, upgraded 21st-century traffic signals, and other safety-focused improvements designed to enhance mobility and economic potential in the area.
Wyld Oaks will also contribute financially to the project, coordinate closely with city staff, and oversee the budget—including a $1.8 million contingency fund—while maintaining a transparent and competitive contractor selection process. The developer further highlighted its commitment to community engagement, including contributing right-of-way for future road expansions and considering road names that honor residents.
As Beninati summarized, the roadway “will be a piece of infrastructure that we as a community should all be incredibly proud of. I think it will enhance economic activity and that it will improve public safety.”
The amendment passed unanimously.
Key Points:
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The amendment adds RCS Construction Company to the Kelly Park Road project after a competitive bidding process overseen by the Galvin family and Wyld Oaks.
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City Attorney Cliff Shepard and Wyld Oaks’ Joseph Beninati said the change does not alter the terms of the agreement but expands the list of approved contractors.
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Residents raised concerns about project delays, cost increases, impact-fee usage, and the issuance of certificates of occupancy before roadway upgrades were completed.
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Developers noted progress on Golden Gem Road, citing significant contributions to the right-of-way and hopes for future expansion.
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Wyld Oaks outlined plans for a four-lane roadway with 10-foot sidewalks, updated signals, financial contributions, and a $1.8 million contingency fund, emphasizing transparency and long-term community benefits.
