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Residents press Eatonville council for clarity on Dr. Phillips/OCPS land proposal; special meeting scheduled
Summary
Public commenters at Eatonville's Jan. 5 meeting pressed the council for more transparency about a proposed sale/MOU involving Dr. Phillips' foundation and Orange County Public Schools. Council members scheduled a special meeting to review legal options, discuss a possible right-of-first-refusal clause, and prepare a unified town position before the OCPS vote.
Residents used the Jan. 5 Eatonville Town Council public-comment period to demand clearer information about a proposed transaction involving Dr. Phillips’ foundation and Orange County Public Schools (OCPS), and council members agreed to schedule a special meeting to prepare a town response.
Pearl Washington, a resident who identified herself during public comment, asked why Orange County and Dr. Phillips’ organization were so involved with Eatonville and demanded to know “how much what part of the land they want of the town,” saying residents deserved answers and greater transparency.
Another resident, Angela John, criticized statements she said came from OCPS and Dr. Phillips’ representatives and asked why a purchase contract would be discussed without a current appraisal: “Where would you ever sell a piece of land without a current appraisal?” she asked. Several commenters said the town’s comprehensive plan may need amendment for proposed uses and urged the council to demand clearer deliverables and milestones from any purchaser.
In response, a council member moved to call a special meeting to discuss the town’s legal options and next steps if OCPS proceeds with the proposed action. Council members debated dates; staff recommended compiling a written summary of pros, cons and suggested amendments so council could arrive at a unified position. The council set a special meeting for Wednesday, Jan. 14 at 6 p.m. as a working session and reiterated plans to meet with Dr. Phillips and OCPS representatives at a larger meeting tentatively scheduled for Jan. 20.
Town Attorney Shepherd told the council a right-of-first-refusal clause could be drafted into a contract and explained how it works: it would give the town an opportunity to match an accepted offer under the same terms, whether cash or financed, if the seller agrees to include such a clause and the board that controls the property approves. Shepherd said adding the clause is straightforward if the contracting parties accept it and the property holder’s board can authorize it.
Council members said they wanted to meet with Dr. Phillips’ representatives and OCPS before the school-board decision to present suggested amendments and to ensure Eatonville has standing at the table. Staff and council emphasized that a unified, written position would be more effective than piecemeal conversations.
The special meeting will focus on legal options, contract elements, and potential amendments the town could request or seek to include before OCPS finalizes decisions.
