Osceola Parkway Extension Facts
FACT: A delay in the approval and construction of the Osceola Parkway Extension will:
Eliminate the expansion of regional conservation lands
Eliminate essential wildlife corridors for thousands of animal species, including endangered species like the gopher tortoise, Florida Scrub Jay, Florida Panther and Sand Hill Cranes
Greenlight 3 million square feet of heavy industrial and commercial development adjacent to conservation
Require the ultimate acquisition of lands through eminent domain to include existing and planned homes.
FACT:
The roadway is not solely a result of development; it’s a critical regional transportation corridor
Section 704.06(11), Florida Statutes, provides that the owner of a conservation easement over land may allow for the operation of linear facilities, including public transportation corridors.
FACT:
The Split Oak Agreement allows for amendments, including public transportation corridors
The Osceola Parkway Extension project has been in the regional planning process since 2005. It was also identified as a potential new multi-modal corridor in Governor Scott’s East Central Florida Corridor Task Force (2012), and as a much needed east-west evacuation route. Additionally, in 2014, CFX legislation included Osceola County Expressway Authority’s Master Plan Projects (Osceola Parkway Extension).
FACT:
This does not set precedent
Rule 62-818.015 of the Florida Administrative Code acknowledges that the Florida Communities Trust (FCT) “periodically receives requests for Management Plan modifications to allow linear facilities” and provides the process for requesting those modifications.
“…with the substantial offset ratio being proposed, we agree it is beneficial to continue discussing the mitigation, permitting, restoration, and management options associated with Split Oak Minimization Alternative.”
– Florida Wildlife Commission
FACT:
This is not prohibited by the Florida Constitution
Section 18 of the Florida Constitution provides direction for the disposition of conservation lands, which states that the governing entities can determine the property is no longer needed for conservation by a two-thirds vote of FCT, not the Counties. And, as mentioned above, Florida Administrative Code provides for the process to allow for those modifications, which are frequently received by FCT.
FACT:
The conservation lands expand beyond Split Oak Forest and benefit the broader regional greenway in Central Florida
The CFX Environmental Advisory Group reviewed the larger contiguous regional conservation area (currently 3,985 acres) when contemplating options for growth, not just the Split Oak Forest (1,689 acres). The Environmental Advisory Group outlined significant benefits for a buffer around both the east and southern boundaries of the existing conservation areas, which have yet to be developed and offer a unique moment in time to acquire as some land already has significant approved entitlements. Through months of conversation and negotiation, the landowners agreed to donate the land for conservation only and will do so without future mitigation rights, losing more than 3 million square feet in commercial/industry entitlements, including the relocation of a water utility plant and underground wells.
“…CFX is willing to commit to a compelling package of conservation lands, and securely funded restoration and management which will result in net positive benefit to conservation lands.”
– Charles Lee, Audubon Florida
FACT:
The approved route provides a significant expansion of regional conservation lands: 1,550 acres of new conservation area
The approved route adds 1,550 acres into conservation in exchange for 160 acres of impact, a net GAIN of 1,390 acres that also allow for more connected habitat for wildlife
The approved route provides funds to restore and maintain the new conservation lands (the original lands are already funded for restoration and maintenance)
The approved route provides new access to the Florida Scenic Trail and improves south public access to Split Oak Forest with the creation of new trail heads and parks
FACT:
The approved route creates new, contiguous wildlife corridors that create a massive regional greenway that is home to thousands of animal species, protecting vital ecosystems, indigenous and endangered species
The approved route expands the region’s greenway to more than 5,375 acres and creates new, essential wildlife corridors for a variety of endangered species like the gopher tortoise, Florida Scrub Jay, Florida Panther, and Sand Hill Cranes
FACT:
Today, we have a rare opportunity to build a required regional roadway and evacuation corridor PRIOR to development and protect treasured conservation areas
The approved route is the result of 15+ years of public and private collaboration among our region’s key leaders and the environmental community to create a necessary regional transportation connection between Brevard and Orange County, providing a new evacuation corridor and regional access to the international airport (50 million passengers each year) that has been part of statewide and local master plans for more than a decade.
The route has already been approved by three local authorities: CFX, Orange County and Osceola County. The route is currently pending approval from the Florida Communities Trust (FCT).
The business community in the area is overwhelmingly supportive of the preferred alignments, including the East Orlando Chamber, Osceola/Kissimmee Chamber, Hispanic Chamber, Lake Nona Chamber, BusinessForce and Orlando Economic Partnership.
FACT:
The approved route eliminates massive heavy industrial and commercial development plans adjacent to our region’s natural environment
The approved route eliminates 3 million square feet of approved heavy industrial and commercial development adjacent to conservation lands. This creates a one-time opportunity to put properties entitled for development into conservation, creating a conservation area 25 times greater than area impacted by the route.
FACT:
The approved route protects existing and future homes and private property
The approved route avoids taking private property and the impacts to 17 homes.
The two closest and most affected residential neighborhoods (Lake Ajay, Lake Mary Jane) are supportive of the approved route.