The applicant, Orlando Unity, is a division of Mission Development Enterprises and is a 501c-3. Mission Development Enterprise’s purpose is to build communities economically, educationally, and socially, while ensuring quality housing and health for the residents of the City of Orlando. Orlando Unity has partnered with Herbert B. and Inez Walker to honor the life of their son, Herbert C. Walker. The goal for Orlando Unity and the Walker’s is to develop a legacy project for their family and to support housing and education within the community.

The Walker’s trust, Reklaw, Inc. owns a 9-acre stretch of land that was platted in 2005 to host over 20 single-family homes. The subject property is the same place where the Walkers operated their family business for many years. In order to raise funds to develop these existing single-family lots, Orlando Unity and Reklaw, Inc. have requested to operate an open-air flea market on the undeveloped property zoned R-3A.  The introduction of the market as the fundraising source has three goals: create a safe, community gathering space; foster economic sustainability; and provide a stepping stone for community development.

The market will be community-based operating on weekends between 5 AM – 6PM. Set-up time will be from 5 AM – 6 AM and take down time will be from 5 PM – 6 PM. The site plan shows the west of the property will be utilized as a surface parking lot for the market on the grass, providing 192 regular spaces.  The parking spaces will be marked with temporary parking stakes.  A total of 6 ADA spaces are proposed on a paved surface for a total of 198 parking spaces on-site. The eastern portion of the site will be occupied by the vendors.  The applicant proposes a stage for performances as an option for fundraising activities. The applicant will be limited to one performance or live action event per weekend.

Staff recommends approval of a one-year temporary use permit for the open-air market use described in application of LDC2016-00177. If approved, the two parties may use the site for the market and associated parking facilities until January 9, 2018, with the possibility for a one year extension until January 9, 2019 to be considered by the Planning Official.

Staff makes this recommendation providing the improvements listed in Exhibit A must be permitted, completed and/or addressed prior to beginning operations.