Dear Commissioner Maribel Gomez Cordero,

We, the undersigned residents and concerned citizens, hereby petition against Case Number CDR-23-06-204, pertaining to the proposed Eagle Creek Planned Development. We firmly believe that this development project poses significant threats to our local resources, including overcrowding of schools, strain on utilities, increased emergency response times and negative environmental impacts. As stakeholders invested in the well-being and sustainability of our community, we urge decision-makers to consider the following points:

1. Overcrowding of Schools: Our local schools are already operating over capacity. According to data from the Orange County Public Schools Enrollment Summary (dated 4/15/24), Eagle Creek Elementary’s current enrollment is 871 versus a capacity of 786 students, and both Lake Nona Middle School (enrollment 1826 versus a 1240 capacity) and Lake Nona High School (enrollment 4502 versus 2807 capacity) have the highest populations in Orange County. The addition of a significant number of new households from the proposed development will exacerbate this issue, leading to overcrowded classrooms, stretched resources, and diminished quality of education for our children. It is imperative to prioritize the educational needs of our youth by ensuring that schools have the capacity to provide a conducive learning environment.
    
2. Infrastructure: The planned development would place a tremendous strain on existing infrastructure, including roads, utilities, and public services. Our community is already experiencing severe traffic congestion, both on entering the community and along Narcoossee Road and adding a large-scale development would worsen these problems. The proposal will inevitably strain our existing utilities infrastructure; increased demand for water, electricity, and sewage services could require substantial upgrades to accommodate this development.  As a result, residents may face disruptions in essential services and decreased reliability. Furthermore, ongoing efforts to establish relief schools in response to prior housing developments are subject to increased traffic congestion and significant construction delays.
    
3. Impact on Emergency Response Times: The safety and well-being of our community members is paramount. However, the proposed housing development threatens to increase emergency response times due to heightened population density. Overburdened emergency services, including police, fire, and medical responders, may struggle to meet the growing demands placed upon them. Delays in response times could have severe consequences for public safety and individual lives. It is essential to maintain prompt and effective emergency services to safeguard our community.
    
4. Environmental Impact: We are deeply concerned about the negative environmental impact of this planned development. The golf course is currently a vital green space that supports local biodiversity. It serves as a sanctuary for wildlife and offers refuge to numerous species of birds, mammals, and other fauna. Eagle Creek Golf Club is one of only 75 golf courses worldwide that is a Silver Certified member of the Audubon International Signature Program. This program recognizes golf courses that are using sustainable practices while being mindful of the natural wildlife and habitats around them. Moving forward with this proposal would not only displace these animals but also disrupt their habitats, potentially leading to a decline in biodiversity and negatively impacting the local ecosystem. 
    
5. Public Safety: Eagle Creek has already undergone a surge in new units, with 500 having been added in the past two years (a 20% increase). The subsequent influx of cars, along with motorized scooters and bicycles, has led to hazardous accidents involving children. The new relief middle school going into use this coming fall will amplify this issue, with children crossing Narcoossee Road from Eagle Creek Sanctuary Blvd. Currently, middle school students are able to walk to school as Eagle Creek is zoned to Lake Nona Middle – which is directly opposite Eagle Creek. Effective August 2024, all of Eagle Creek will be zoned to the new Luminary Middle School, and as a result, there will be another huge increase in traffic as this school is no longer within walking distance. The addition of construction vehicles, heavy equipment and numerous workers required for the planned development, will turn an already-dangerous situation into an ongoing hazard for young and old alike, fundamentally altering the once safe and secure environment into something entirely different.
    

In light of these concerns, we respectfully urge decision-makers to halt the planned development until thorough assessments can be conducted to address the potential impacts on our schools, utilities, emergency services, public safety and the environment. We call for transparent dialogue and community involvement in the decision-making process to ensure that the interests of all stakeholders are considered and protected.

By signing this petition, we stand united in our commitment to preserving the integrity, sustainability, and livability of our community for current and future generations.