What’s Happening East of Narcoossee Road?
When was the last time you drove on Moss Park Road? For neighbors in communities near North Shore and Isle of Pines, Moss Park Road is a main artery that commuters use for travel to Narcoossee Road or the 417 Expressway. For more than a year, road construction made commuting this area a bit stressful. Changing road patterns during construction, one-way road usage, more congestion … and finally the intersection of Moss Park Road and Storey Park Boulevard is complete.
No one likes traffic, and some are even apprehensive about growth. Although it might seem that government officials make these decisions overnight, these plan are years in the making. With a bit of research online, I found agreements between the City of Orlando and OUC to realign Moss Park Road and connect to Innovation Way dating back to 2001. Then, in 2004, Orange County approved the Innovation Way Overlay, a vision for East Orange County as a mixed-use, high-tech corridor connecting the University of Central Florida, Lake Nona’s Medical City and Orlando International Airport. Fast forward to 2016, Orange County approved amendments to the comprehensive plan related to a project known as Sunbridge, including amendments to the Long Range Transportation Plan to incorporate certain framework roadways serving the area. (Source: orangecountyfl.net)
The growth near this area is comprised of three roadway segments: the easternmost extension of Dowden Road, the creation of proposed Storey Park Boulevard to the south of the newly extended Dowden Road, and the creation of proposed Innovation Way to the west of proposed Storey Park Boulevard. What’s happened so far? Dowden has been extended and now connects to Storey Park Boulevard. The Innovation Way connector to Dowden Road is under construction.
For Innovation Middle School students coming from the North Shore/Isle of Pines area, the opening of Storey Park Boulevard creates a direct route to school. Prior to the road opening, parents had to take Moss Park Road to Narcoossee Road north, then head east onto Dowden Road.
Notable projects currently under construction near Storey Park Boulevard include DR Horton Orlando’s Corporate Office, Orlando Health’s freestanding Emergency Room, Randal Walk Townhomes by Mattamy Homes, Storey Park by Lennar Homes, Meridian Park by Mattamy Homes, and Belle Vie by Beazer Homes. What to look for in the future: Tavistock’s Sunbridge Community. Eventually, these roadways will provide infrastructure for a booming future in our corner of southeast Orlando.
Sophia Rogers is a Lake Nona area resident and Realtor/founder of NonaHomeGuide.com. A wife and mom of four, family, relationships and real estate are her passions. She can be reached at [email protected].
