The future of the historic Hungerford property in Eatonville has been set in motion following the Orange County Public Schools' decision to sell the 100-acre site to Dr. Phillips Charities. Despite concerns raised by residents regarding transparency and the speed of the development process, the board voted in favor of the sale yesterday. According to WFTV, supporters of the sale believe this marks a significant opportunity to upgrade the town. One supporter optimistically stated, "This is bringing what this town was built to 2.0." On the other side, some residents are voicing their desire "to slow down a bit," as quoted by Angela Johnson, reflecting anxieties about the pace of development potentially overshadowing the needs of the wider community.
Eatonville Mayor Angie Gardner has publicly addressed the concerns, ensuring that the recent approval is only the beginning of a larger process that will actively include community feedback. A community meeting is scheduled for the upcoming Friday to further discuss residents' participation in shaping the redevelopment initiatives. Mayor Gardner emphasized the community's role, saying, "Just like the master plan needed the input of the people, there’s no way in the world you can finalize that plan without that same input," as reported by WFTV. Gardner also appeared in an interview with WESH 2's Lindsey Sablan, envisioning the property's transformation that includes green spaces, an amphitheater, and an early learning center.
Following the unanimous vote, the transfer of the Hungerford property is on track to enter the development stage. In a statement obtained by WESH, Mayor Gardner conveyed a sense of achievement for Eatonville, hinting at the potential benefits of repurposing the 117-acre land. The early plans also indicate the construction of health care facilities and affordable housing, alongside the commitment to public green spaces, all part of a multiyear development endeavor presented to the community.
