Orange County commissioners approved a special purpose district around Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe that could provide lofty benefits beyond the millions of tourists the theme park will likely attract.
The board’s unanimous vote created a limited-power area, known as the Shingle Creek Transit & Utility Community Development District, expected to provide $174 million for infrastructure, including a commuter rail line linking Orlando International Airport and the International Drive tourist corridor.
“In order to solve our transportation woes as a county, as a region, it will require public-private partnerships,” said Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings, who tried in vain last year to persuade voters to approve a penny-per-dollar sales tax increase to improve transit options in Central Florida. “In this case, Universal’s stepping up to the table and saying, ‘Hey, we want to be part of the solution.’ ”
The money would be raised through tax-exempt bonds and special property assessments within the 719-acre district, where Universal is the largest of only two landowners. Hilton is the other.
Universal Destinations & Experiences petitioned Orange County commissioners in January to create the district to speed up infrastructure including a commuter rail station at the Orange County Convention Center.
Demings described the district as “a financial vehicle” to help with the $2 billion cost of the proposed Sunshine Corridor, which would extend a SunRail line from the airport through the tourist corridor and onto the southern portion of International Drive near Disney Springs, connecting with the existing north-south route.
Universal’s pledge doesn’t guarantee the rail line will be built but will help, county officials said.
Just Monday, John Tyler, the Florida Department of Transportation secretary for District 5, which covers east Central Florida, told the Orlando City Council the project “should deliver incredible results for this community, but it’s expensive.”
Without a rail option, traffic problems will worsen when Epic Universe opens, Demings said.
“There’s no question that we’re in dire need of creating additional modes of transportation for people to move around,” the mayor said, referring to not only tourists but tourism and hospitality workers.
The new theme park is scheduled to open in 2025.
Demings said the district will help “us to at least better address transportation needs” in the I-Drive commerce center, where the county and Universal have an existing partnership to add workforce housing.
Other commissioners also praised Universal’s pledge.
“This is literally them taxing themselves in order to support the infrastructure needed to support their growth,” Commissioner Nicole Wilson said.
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John Sprouls, Universal’s executive vice president and chief administrative officer, said the entertainment giant and the county have a shared vision for SunRail to expand and succeed in the region.
“We think this district will advance county priorities around regional mass transit and public infrastructure,” he said. “We think it’ll meet the needs of both residents and visitors to Central Florida.”
Sprouls said he hoped the district’s contributions will reduce SunRail’s current operating deficit, drive ridership and boost the long-term viability and continued operation of mass transit in the area.
The district also is expected to provide $40 million to expedite odor control and other improvements at a wastewater treatment plant near Tangelo Park, a community near the theme park.
Orange County Commissioner Michael Scott, whose district includes Tangelo Park, where he grew up, is familiar with odors emanating from the plant.
“It’s always smelled for all 41 years I’ve been alive,” he said.
shudak@orlandosentinel.com
