Eatonville is taking measured steps towards revitalizing the historic Hungerford property, following a recent land purchase agreement between Orange County Public Schools and the Dr. Phillips Foundation. As reported by ClickOrlando, a community meeting was convened to contemplate the town's updated master plan and the future development of the over 100-acre site.
Eatonville Mayor Angie Gardner, echoing the urgency felt by many in the community, indicated that turning back was not on the table, "To not move forward is never an option," she stated in a meeting covered by ClickOrlando. Born out of the recent assembly, concerns regarding Eatonville's financial health and the trajectory of the Hungerford property development have been the focus of residents like Angela Johnson. Her ties to the area span generations, and the future of this land hits close to home. "My mother went to Hungerford, graduated in 1955," Johnson related in a sentiment steeped in personal history, "For me, that is very important. I have a six-year-old granddaughter now. So the goal is to see something develop there that will benefit her in the future."
While the groundwork for progress has seemingly been set, at least three residents harbored reservations regarding outside influence on the development. These sentiments came to light in a public meeting where Bruce Mount Jr., echoing a cautious yet positive tone, shared with WESH, "I am cautiously optimistic, but optimistic nonetheless, and I say that because we still have an opportunity to be at the table." The meeting also drew attention to the unanimous vote by the Orange County School Board sanctioning the transfer of the property to Dr. Phillips Charities, inclusive of a $1 million down payment intended to enact the master plan.
