Nesta: "We must be mindful not to outbuild our infrastructure"

The Kelly Park Interchange (KPI) was designed as a corridor for Apopka to allow for higher residential density development along with pockets of commercial development. The areas within the KPI used to be rural but are now turning into more suburban sections of our city.

Apopka City Commissioner Nick Nesta

The infrastructure, in its current condition, cannot support the kind of density we are approving. The solution is multi-faceted and somewhat unclear. What is clear is that we must continue to have cooperation (as we have in the past) between Orange County and the City of Apopka. Our staff at the City has done an incredible job coordinating with Orange County about advising them of our needs. One of the problems is when the developers finish their projects quicker than we can improve the infrastructure - primarily roads. Massive developments are being proposed (and many approved) along Golden Gem Road. In its current condition, this road is not designed to take on this kind of higher traffic. It’s in great shape for a rural road, but it is far from acceptable for the high density we are approving.

Additionally, this road is partially inside the boundaries of both Apopka and Orange County.

It may not be the most popular idea, but a workshop with all affected parties (City, County, and residents) needs to take place to create a venue for dialogue.

Ample presentations have been made by City staff on future roadway plans. Still, we need everyone (City, County, and residents) in one room, working through our infrastructure issues and creating a sufficient, cost-effective plan. A study of Golden Gem Road is currently underway and will provide important data to make educated decisions moving forward. It will also assist in dispelling misinformation and providing an opportunity to share facts with our residents.

Safety should be our top priority, and we must be mindful as a Council as we approve/deny projects to ensure we are not outbuilding our infrastructure. At the City level, this is not a staff issue but a Council issue. Kelly Park Road has already undergone a study that provided essential data allowing the City staff to plan for road widening, wider sidewalks, and new signalized intersections. We must take a hard look at that area and ensure we like what we see 10+ years from now.