Okay, so we’ve been goofing off, watching meetings, attending meetings, and quite honestly, we’ve been bored stiff as we continue to watch the elected officials, not only in this county, but in surrounding counties as well, sell the taxpayers for mere chump change. The Wekiva Parkway is just another example of how Osceola County taxpayers will continue to pay for other areas, while our own roadways continue to be congested, clogged, and unsafe. Only TWO votes against the project, which were by County Chairman John Quinones and Orange Commissioner Ted Edwards. Everyone else supported this project with their aye vote!
Those supporting the project were, according to Cynthia Lamber of MetroPlan, were Kissimmee Mayor Jim Swan, County Commissioner Brandon Arrington(despite what the Commission majority directed) and Jose Colon, who was representing the Orlando Greater Aviation Authority. Make sure to thank them all for not caring enough for Osceola County! Several people stood in protest of the project, unfortunately, most were from a mobile home park, where they call home and which will, most likely, be closed, but at the very least, the park will be severely divided to make room for this Parkway. The great majority of the MetroPlan Board simply tuned out those folks pleading for their homes, many of which will not be worth the money to attempt to move. While it is a retirement community, they all said this wasn’t what they had ever thought would happen to them in their “Golden years". Meanwhile, many here are asking what impact the decision would have on Osceola County. The primary loss will be the completion of the highway 192 East project, running from near Shady Lane to Budinger Road.
Full story »