Ocoee approves access easement for proposed 7‑Eleven after debate over traffic safety

The Ocoee City Commission voted to approve an access easement agreement for a proposed 7‑Eleven at the intersection of Clark Road and Nokoye Vista Parkway after a lengthy discussion about traffic safety.

Commissioner Firstner moved to approve the shared‑access easement and Commissioner Kennedy seconded the motion; the chair said the motion carried with four votes and one commissioner not recorded voting. Staff told the commission the developer has agreed to include a traffic signal and that a development agreement will memorialize timing and construction of traffic improvements.

"Public safety is number one for me," Commissioner Oliver said during discussion, urging that the site plan include "two deceleration lanes heading northbound as well as a traffic light" before supporting the project. Staff replied that the first deceleration lane has been designed and that signal engineering will be completed as part of the developer agreement, but that some site work may proceed before any vertical permits are issued.

Mayor Johnson suggested an alternate approach: converting the adjacent city‑owned parcel to a small natural park for neighbors rather than approving another commercial building. Commissioners debated that option but proceeded with the easement vote, with staff saying the development agreement and signal design will be brought back to the commission for final action.

The commission’s approval preserves the city’s right to shared access while directing staff to return with detailed traffic and development‑agreement terms for further review. Staff also said no permits for vertical construction have been granted and that final signal installation will require a separate agreement and engineering steps.