Orlando City officials gathered at the corner of Semoran Boulevard and Curry Ford Road today to break ground on the Semoran Boulevard Sidewalk and Streetscape Improvement project.
City Commissioner Tony Ortiz represents the Semoran corridor on the City Council and calls it the “core of the district.” Ortiz hosted the event and was clear this façade work was only the first step. “We’ve come a long way,” said Ortiz. “I am thankful to God that everything we thought of is happening. It’s a much better place to live.”
The Semoran corridor is the gateway to and from the airport and local leaders say this will help Orlando put their best face forward as people enter and leave our city. This marked phase 1 of the long-term development and improvements to the area which will continue to the airport when completed.
“The attitude has changed,” added Ortiz. “People are more enthusiastic and the community is taking steps on its own.” Commissioner Ortiz was referencing the ripple effect from the aesthetic improvements, which he said includes local business owners investing in their own businesses again, by painting and making improvements on their property.
Mayor Buddy Dyer, Commissioner Sam Ings, and newly elected Commissioner Jim Gray were also on hand for the 15 minute photo opp. Dyer, never taking his sunglasses off, read from brief prepared remarks citing that there has been more improvement in this area than ever in history. Dyer was the first to leave the event after the groundbreaking.
Project Manager Jeff Arms added interesting insight when he opened the press conference by saying “traffic is a good thing, it shows commerce,” something that many residents and locals may find questionable, especially given safety and crime issues in the same area.
It was also hard to identify actual members of the local community. Many in attendance were with the city leaders, the Semoran Business Partnership, OUC, the media or other connected interests. There were few Hispanic community members present.
