CLERMONT — City leaders are putting the first building block in place for an economic-development plan expected to generate millions of dollars.
Victory Pointe, an estimated $8.6 million stormwater management site combined with an ecological public park and event space, likely will go out for construction bids soon, city staff said. Groundbreaking is expected in the spring, with construction lasting 12 to 18 months.
The 10-acre west downtown site, extending from Lake Minneola to south of Minneola Avenue, will include a new stormwater pond and a filter marsh to polish storm runoff before it reaches the lake. The event space will host many of the city’s major festivals and athletic competitions, and trails will link the area to downtown businesses.
Victory Pointe is one of several prime development sites within the city’s master plan, which is designed to connect the downtown and waterfront districts.
“Victory Pointe is a big deal,” City Manager Darren Gray said in an email. “It’s the game-changer for our downtown and it’s the linchpin that will make the other master plan projects work.”
The project will be funded through grants, Lake County Tourist Development Council funds and public investment, a city spokeswoman said. The city has received about $4 million in grant money, and more is anticipated.
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