Commission approves early right-of-way steps for western segment of Richard Crotty Parkway; eastern phases remain subject to future studies

The Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted June 6 to authorize staff to acquire two permanent drainage easements on the western portion of the Richard Crotty Parkway alignment (segment 1a) and to use condemnation if necessary. County staff said the easements are small (roughly 7,000 and 200 square feet) and are needed to complete right‑of‑way for a segment of an east–west roadway between State Road 436 and Goldenrod Road that is already designed and permitted.

Public comment and several commissioners focused on future phases of the multi‑segment plan, including alignment choices east of Dean Road. Commissioner Martina Simrad (identified in the meeting as Commissioner Martinez Simrad) expressed substantive concerns that later segments could require construction through Blanchard Park, wetlands in the Econ River basin, and land adjacent to Central Florida Research Park — impacts she and others said could harm parkland, critical floodwater infrastructure and a major economic hub. Staff said that nothing east of Dean Road is being acquired or constructed today; those segments exist only as a long‑range line on the county’s transportation plan and would require a separate Roadway Conceptual Analysis (RCA) and public study before any decisions are made.

Deputy county staff and the project manager explained the phased approach: segment 1a (436 to Goldenrod) is designed and in right‑of‑way acquisition; segment 1b (Goldenrod to Harrell) has design work completed and some prior land purchases; segment 2 (Harrell to Dean) has plans but is not permitted; sections east of Dean would require new study before any acquisition or construction. Staff described fiscal planning that includes right‑of‑way funding over the next two years and no construction funding currently budgeted for segment construction; the overall estimated future construction cost for the first segment was described by staff as roughly $40,000,000, but acquisition for the easements under consideration now would be a small portion of that cost.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about park impacts and whether the county’s existing parcel holdings or prior purchases could conflict with other county uses such as temporary housing. Several commissioners asked staff to provide the prior studies and alignment details to better inform affected stakeholders and district offices.

A motion to approve the right‑of‑way action for the westernmost portion of segment 1a was made, seconded and carried. The clerk announced the motion passed with one recorded no vote and that Commissioner Michael Scott was absent for that vote. County staff reiterated that future segments east of Dean will require their own studies, community meetings and approvals before any additional right‑of‑way is acquired or construction is authorized.