How could Steve Lockwood's property development plans affect Orange County?
Orange County may need to coordinate on large-scale zoning changes in Winter Park Steve Lockwood's acquisition of the 7,300-square-foot Merrywood home in Winter Park involves plans to either build a large new residence or divide the 3.67-acre lot into two lakefront parcels. Achieving this lot split requires a comprehensive plan amendment from the city. Because the property is located within Orange County, the significant changes to the land use and zoning could necessitate coordination or review from the county government.
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How it reaches Orange County
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Businessman Steve Lockwood acquired the Merrywood house, a 7,300-square-foot Spanish-style home built in 1939, located in Winter Park. The city commission delayed a scheduled vote on splitting the 3.67-acre lot to allow time for City Attorney Kurt Ardaman and Planning & Zoning staff to work with Lockwood toward a compromise. Lockwood’s attorney stated that Lockwood was open to discussions, though he had initially said his plan involved tearing the house down without further delays.
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As Winter Park is located within Orange County, the significant changes to the land use and zoning—specifically the potential division of the lot and construction of a 55,991-square-foot house—could require review or coordination from the county government.
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The facts so far
As reported. Each one links to where it comes from.
- Lockwood purchased the property on Lake Osceola in August for $15 million.orlandosentinel.com
- The property is a 7,300-square-foot Spanish-style home built in 1939.orlandosentinel.com
- The lot size is 3.67 acres.orlandosentinel.com
- Lockwood's plan involves dividing the land into two lakefront lots.orlandosentinel.com
Why it matters
The fate of Merrywood and the subsequent development plans represent a major land-use decision in Winter Park, which is within Orange County. The potential for a large-scale development, such as a 55,991-square-foot house, or the division of a historic lot, impacts local planning and zoning precedents.
This situation highlights the intersection of local city planning and broader county jurisdiction. While the city commission is currently debating the proposal, the scale of the development means that the county government may need to be involved in reviewing or coordinating the necessary comprehensive plan amendments.
What we don't know yet
- Will the city commission approve the comprehensive plan amendment to split the lot?
- What specific regulatory input, if any, will Orange County require for the development?
What would change this answer
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Reporting
- orlandosentinel.comThursday
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