Heritage Park: A Creative Vision For Downtown Sanford…But Will We See It?

Heritage Park was once envisioned as a shining jewel for Sanford, FL. A project set to redefine the city’s heart, it now stands as a stark reminder of unfulfilled promises and deadlines missed. This saga of development, or lack thereof, is a tale of ambition, stalled progress, and a city left wondering: what’s next?

A Grand Vision

In 2017, the city of Sanford made a ten-year agreement with Sanford Waterfront Partners (SWP), expecting a bustling development of new restaurants, shops, offices, and housing on city-owned land near Lake Monroe. The project, if realized, would offer 235 multi-family units, 35,750 square feet of retail and dining space, and about 8,500 square feet of offices. It was to be a $50 to $55 million public/private partnership that would redefine the cityscape.

The Waiting Game

But six years on, Sanford city officials are left twiddling their thumbs, with a deadline looming and a $5.2 million commitment of public funds related to the stalled project. The once-promised Heritage Park has yet to break ground, leaving the city contemplating whether to divert these funds to other pressing needs.

The Silent Partner

Efforts to reach SWP for updates on the project have been met with silence. Despite contractual stipulations that the land would be purchased by January 1, 2025, no such purchase has been made, adding to the uncertainty of the project.

A Ticking Clock

As the clock ticks towards 2025, the city has another deadline to contend with. The city plans to develop the streetscape for the Heritage Park project and has earmarked $3.1 million of Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) funds for that work. Seminole County has also committed $2.1 million toward the streetscape effort. However, the CRA program sunsets in 2025, leading to questions about whether the money should be kept aside for Heritage Park or put towards another project.

A Road of Uncertainty

The city is contemplating road improvements near Main Street and City Hall or even the possibility of adding to its parking stock downtown by building a garage. Allocating the CRA funds to other projects poses risks and uncertainties. If Heritage Park does materialize, the city will be on the hook for the $5.2 million promised for road improvements, potentially losing the county’s $2.1 million share associated with the project.

Possible Outcomes

Sanford city officials are considering using the CRA money to begin road work around the proposed development site, regardless of whether SWP executes the deal. However, city staff has advised against this approach, stating that a developer’s construction could damage any road work the city puts in.

A Plea for Help

In 2022, SWP requested to bring on another developer, the Michaels Organization, to help with the project and speed up the process. Despite the company’s experience with hundreds of projects, the city commission voted against amendments to the developer’s original agreement this late in the game.

The Path Ahead

Sanford city officials continue to grapple with the future of Heritage Park. While some believe that the project is not looking promising, others hold out hope, citing the complications brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and financial challenges. The options under consideration include continuing with the current developer, seeking ways to end the agreement, or bringing on the Michaels Organization to finish the job.

While Heritage Park was meant to be a catalyst for Sanford’s historic district, it now stands as a symbol of halted progress. Yet, city leaders remain committed to seeing the property developed, even if the grand vision of Heritage Park isn’t realized as initially planned. As Sanford’s residents and officials continue to wait and hope, the question remains: will Heritage Park ever become a reality, or will it remain a dream indefinitely deferred?