Downtown Sanford Superfund site hits priority cleanup list

Feb. 10--The federal government announced it will complete the decontamination of a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Superfund site near Lake Monroe in historic parts of downtown Sanford.

Officials bumped up the cleanup priority of an old dry cleaner and laundry that operated from the 1940s through 2001 at 121 S. Palmetto Ave. Reclaiming the 1-acre property, which is connected to an old jail site, comes during a renaissance of downtown Sanford. Last year the city of Sanford sold historical buildings, including those sharing a wall with the original Sanford fire station, that are being renovated to accommodate a restaurant and retail. Nearby businesses include a microbrewery, restaurant, pottery, wine store and art studio.

Lauren Ritchie / Orlando Sentinel

Sanford Dry Cleaners on Palmetto Street in downtown Sanford, remains a site being cleaned up by the "Superfund," created in 1980 to take care of the nation's worst environmental disasters.

Sanford Dry Cleaners on Palmetto Street in downtown Sanford, remains a site being cleaned up by the "Superfund," created in 1980 to take care of the nation's worst environmental disasters. (Lauren Ritchie / Orlando Sentinel)

U.S. Congressman Stephanie Murphy announced the cleanup plan and said it is a "step forward for the historic downtown area of this rapidly-transforming city."

The EPA placed the Sanford site on the Superfund program's National Priorities List in 2010 because of contaminated groundwater and soil resulting from past operations. According to EPA, site contamination is not a threat to residents and others.

Ollie's lease

Ollie's Bargain Outlet, with 270 locations, leased 33,431 square feet at the Lake Hills Plaza at 2830 S. Bay Street, Eustis. Equity Investment Services Vice President Nick Barbato and Associate Ryan D'Agostino leased the space to the retailer, which took the majority of vacant space. Ollie's was represented by Joanna Robinson at The Shopping Center Group.

Solar lease

Renewable energy group DC Solar signed a new lease for 16,862 square feet at 9695 Delegates Drive, Orlando with Bobby Isola, of Cite Partners, representing the landlord. Other leases by Cite Partners include Ted Kaplan's $550,000 purchase a building with 4,110 square feet at 4804 Edgewater Drive, Orlando from the Thakoor Deen Revocable Trust, which was represented by John Worrell. McKinley Inc. purchased 8250 International Drive, Orlando from 8250 Realty LLC investment entity for $8.25 million with John Krzyminski representing the seller.

Downtown health concept

Orlando-based Ponte Health architecture group met last week on a proposal for a 550-foot tall "Vertical Medical City" at West Jefferson Street and North Garland Avenue, Orlando. Land has not been secured for the assisted-living and emergency medical project. As conceived, the project would provide stepped care, including preventative, critical, outpatient, assisted-living and hospice.

Rollins, health construction

Rice Pavilion at Rollins College takes shape with Longwood-based Comprehensive Energy Service Inc. working under Lamm & Company Partners. The mechanical and plumbing contractor is also underway on six theme-park related projects; the University of Central Florida baseball stadium expansion for Skanska USA Building; Orlando Executive Airport's expansion of its fixed-base operations under a contract with Johnson-Laux Construction; HealthSouth Rehabilitation in Altamonte Springs for Hoar Construction; Florida Hospital Orlando Child Neurology for JM Construction; and Security First Corporation working for Jack Jennings & Sons.

mshanklin@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5538

CAPTION

The Church Street Exchange Building, currently a hub for tech companies, and surrounding properties on the north side of Church Street have sold for $14.2 million, according to brokers with Jones Lang LaSalle who handled the deal.

The Church Street Exchange Building, currently a hub for tech companies, and surrounding properties on the north side of Church Street have sold for $14.2 million, according to brokers with Jones Lang LaSalle who handled the deal.

CAPTION

The Church Street Exchange Building, currently a hub for tech companies, and surrounding properties on the north side of Church Street have sold for $14.2 million, according to brokers with Jones Lang LaSalle who handled the deal.

The Church Street Exchange Building, currently a hub for tech companies, and surrounding properties on the north side of Church Street have sold for $14.2 million, according to brokers with Jones Lang LaSalle who handled the deal.

CAPTION

Bike sharing options in Orlando have expanded rapidly, and now a Chinese startup, ofo bikes, that has popped up in major U.S. cities plans a launch here this summer.

Bike sharing options in Orlando have expanded rapidly, and now a Chinese startup, ofo bikes, that has popped up in major U.S. cities plans a launch here this summer.

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Orlando's food truck scene is changing dramatically with an outcry for new ways to access food trucks. Signature food truck events are dropping in attendance, while food truck parks and a rotating kitchen for food trucks debut in Central Florida.

Orlando's food truck scene is changing dramatically with an outcry for new ways to access food trucks. Signature food truck events are dropping in attendance, while food truck parks and a rotating kitchen for food trucks debut in Central Florida.

CAPTION

Some 50,000 Puerto Ricans have moved to Central Florida since Hurricane Maria hit the island in September, and that influx is bringing to light the region's distinctive cuisine.

Some 50,000 Puerto Ricans have moved to Central Florida since Hurricane Maria hit the island in September, and that influx is bringing to light the region's distinctive cuisine.

CAPTION

A federal program aimed at helping struggling homeowners keep their homes ends Wednesday with $88 million left unspent in the state. Double the number of Floridians were denied aid or withdrew applications than the 48,000 helped as a part of Florida's distribution of $1.1 billion in federal Hardest Hit funds.

A federal program aimed at helping struggling homeowners keep their homes ends Wednesday with $88 million left unspent in the state. Double the number of Floridians were denied aid or withdrew applications than the 48,000 helped as a part of Florida's distribution of $1.1 billion in federal Hardest Hit funds.

See the 25 most valuable Central Florida mansions based on property appraisal records. Limited images available: Some properties have multiple images, while others only have an image of the property entrance.

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