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Winter Garden commission votes to continue talks on 70‑acre Federal Finance proposal that could include 5,000‑seat stadium
Summary
The commission voted 4-1 to continue negotiations and direct staff to explore land purchase costs and a potential referendum after officials described a roughly $300 million, 70‑acre concept by Federal Finance that includes retail, housing, a 160‑key hotel and a 5,000‑seat open‑air soccer stadium.
The Winter Garden City Commission voted March 27 to continue discussions with developer Federal Finance over a concept plan for the roughly 70‑acre Strates property on East Plant Street and to have staff investigate land‑purchase costs and the potential for a referendum.
Planning Director Kelly Carson introduced the concept and Economic Development Director Marc Hutchinson said “this would involve an estimated investment of over $300 million on approximately 70 acres,” describing a mix of commercial and residential uses, retail along Plant Street, live‑work units, a 160‑key hotel with convention space, and a proposed open‑air 5,000‑seat soccer stadium with parks, trails and other public amenities. Staff recommended the City continue conversations with the developer.
The item moved into a public hearing, where several residents voiced concerns about traffic, noise and affordability. Heather Fraga, a fourth‑generation Winter Garden resident, told the commission she worried about infrastructure and asked the city to consider “what public amenities it would own before committing to any agreement.” Gretchen Tope said the plan may not include affordable housing for Historic East Winter Garden; Allison Painter suggested the stadium be located elsewhere, calling the current proposal “excessive.”
Commissioner Colin Sharman moved to continue discussions, have staff investigate the cost of purchasing the land, and conduct a referendum if necessary; Commissioner Chloe Johnson seconded. The motion carried 4-1, with Commissioner Lisa L. Bennett opposed.
The vote does not authorize any final agreement or development approvals; commissioners and staff described the action as an early, exploratory step in which terms such as public benefits, traffic mitigation, housing affordability and environmental impacts would be negotiated and subject to later review and potential public processes.
