Urban Mail Carrier

That’s excellent news. Gives Demings more time to identify a funding source. The only negative that I can see is that the MCO train station and connection will be completed before those 3 years. FDOT didn’t exactly want to fund extended hours, increased frequency and weekend service, something a connection to MCO will need.

What’s interesting is that the railroad tracks are about 1/2 mile or less away. These tracks connect directly to the Sunrail North and south line. If planned correctly a stop can be placed at the Amazon site and another at Medical City.

This could mean an expansion of the Winter Park Downtown.

What a YUGE difference from the actual library.

Well I agree with Uncommon that speculation on potential routes are only pipe dreams only until we know for certain how much money a dedicated fund will generate. Like shopping for a house without knowing how much the bank will lend u.

What will probably happen is that Sunrail will take them up on their offer to use SR 528 on then veer off onto 417 and go north towardS UCF. This route will have potential stops for Avalon park, VALENCIA East campus, ALAFAYA and most importantly UCF. In the opposite direction potential stops will probably be Hunters creek, DISNEY Springs and 4 Corners.. Thus our E/W LINEwill probably go from SW to NE

Hey that could be an Orlando version of a Promenade. My thinking was that a mini promenade could be unique to Orlando since no other city in the state could boast having one. You are right it can incorporate gertrudes walk, and the under I, but it can also incorporate Lake Eola. Who knows some other chap will probably come up with a better idea... I’ll take your comment as positive and constructive. Maybe you’ll lend me the money .

Speculation is fun!! I just wanted to see the ideas of others. I was just looking at the spur that connects to the main North-South Sunrail line and I stumbled at how the 528/ beach line conveniently crosses over. Potential stops at Florida Mall/ SOBT, Darden Hdqtrs at John Young Parkway, Aquatica/Sea World. Afterwards the new tracks can veer onto International drive northbound with 3 more potential stops at Universal Studios, OCCC, and icon park. The tracks once again can veer westbound onto Sandlake rd towards S Apopka Vineland rd at which it turns northbound terminating at the corner of Conroy Windermere and S Apopka Vineland rd. This would produce potential stops at Dr Phillips and Windermere. That’s a total of 9 stops. It could be 10 stops but Sand lake Station is just north of the 528 unless it is relocated where the tracks and 528 intersect.

Where was this rail line located?

Once this is up and running for sure the next priority is a line that takes u to international drive, Universal Studios, and the convention center. Anyone with ideas on how this will come to fruition?? Which route will most likely be used?

Coming along nicely.

All I’m saying is that there needs to be more balance. Hey that could be an Orlando version of a Promenade. My thinking was that a mini promenade could be unique to Orlando since no other city in the state could boast having one. You are right it can incorporate gertrudes walk, and the under I, but it can also incorporate Lake Eola. Who knows some other chap will probably come up with a better idea...

I don’t understand why Demings is such a skeptic. Once Sunrail connects to MCO and Disney, ppl from all over the Orlando Metro area will use the system more frequently. That includes the North of Orlando area.

You know that’s a good question. Tampa comes to mind, its the only EMERGING city that I’ve really explored. The downtown has many elements in place; college campus, museums, water front with a board walk and Water taxis, an Urban Market, railroad tracks for a future transportation system and interesting eateries. However it’s not quite there yet it’s missing that nightlife, u know the one that Orlando has in a lopsided fashion. This Urban Planner wannabe and architecture enthusiast admires mid tiered cities like Boston, Pittsburgh, and Charlotte. I realize they are not emerging cities but they are cities not to far from a population perspective; and cities that Orlando can grow up to be. Please understand that I’m not a boring dud. I enjoy breweries and a good nightclub. Definitely keep the college kid, young professional activities but I feel DT Orlando has gone all in on nightclubs and it feels lopsided. I don’t necessarily feel that our downtown needs to cater exclusively to families. The DT needs to be more balanced. What’s missing for sure are family activities, just look at Lake Eola at how saturated it is with families strolling around the lake. So there is demand out there, in fact that’s really the only family activity available. To draw more families this is what I would do, pursue a Real Zoo, an Aquarium, please touch museum , take OMA under its wing and grant them a sweet deal like the Holocaust museum, open an Urban Market like all the big cities. Philadelphia has the Reading Terminal, Toronto the St Lawrence Market, London has the green Market, etc...Incorpórate an elevated downtown pedestrian bridge that circumferences the downtown area. Like a mini version of the French Promenade or the NYC High Line or Philadelphia Rail Park. It can connect all the small parks within the DT. It can also feed off Lake Eola and connect to the Colonial drive pedestrian bridge. Plant greenery into the bridge and LED LIGHTS so that can ppl can stroll around DT,and joggers can enjoy a good workout. It would be something unique and aesthetically pleasing to talk about.

I agree with this statement! We are in need of a new vision, leadership, or direction. Thank you Mayor Dyer we are grateful for your contribution and your legacy will be noted but PLEASE pass down the baton.

Ok I get that, but I would prefer that downtown become more sophisticated. I’m not being judgmental and I’m not religious but downtown looks like a madhouse. More museums, art galleries, shows, and eateries is what I want.

Another nightclub

Deland has a lovely downtown, I believe that it rivals Downtown Sanford and Downtown Kissimmee. Unlike those other cities it even has a picturesque college campus. A downtown station would probably bring more students thus more business. Difference being that Kissimmee and Sanford have better leadership.

https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/volusia/2021/01/19/volusia-county-council-chooses-42-million-sunrail-station-deland/4210478001/ Disappointed that it will be built in the middle of nowhere, however I recognize it’s a step in the right direction. Hopefully the MCO connection comes to fruition...

State of the art is nice but what good is it if your priced out? Well reserve judgment once the darn system is up and running. As for homeless ppl I certainly haven’t seen it on AMTRAK.

How about an ice rink?

Thinking out loud: wouldnt a company like that fit well in the Ponte building?

Yep no one exciting. I don’t see any visionaries. Eskamani is an interesting choice . Hmmm

Hope her sales skills are up to the challenge.

You know AMIREAL I wish I knew. It’s easy to complain and criticize. I don’t see any viable candidates that excite me. I give Dyer credit for his persistence on the creative village, pushing Exploria stadium thru, his leadership on Sunrail and the urbanization of Downtown. He’s been a good mayor. I realize that in MANY things his hands are handcuffed by the State of Florida. This state just gets in the way of progress!!!can come up with some ideas here goes: 1. Lure another University to downtown 2. Elevate Gertrudes Walk. Modify it into some sort of elevated park, like the High line, Rail park, etc.. 3. Donate land to the OMA. 4. Sell Orlando Executive airport or start incorporating it into Orlando as neighborhoods. 5. Combine Lynx, Sunrail and the Central Florida expressway authority into one agency. 6. Fund a City homeless agency with services to house, feed, educate and employ. It should include mental care and healthcare. 7. Connect the lakes around downtown with canals develop into some sort of Riverwalk. 8. An iconic statue at the DPAC lawn site across the street from city hall. Half of these ideas are probably pipe dreams.