56%
(860 acres) of 1400+ acres will be left open spaces and nature
0
25-acre hardwood hammock park
0
miles of new trails
0
acres of neighborhood parks
0
acres set aside for a walkable school and a fire station
The community is intentionally planned around the idea of engaging residents and visitors with nature through education and design. A special feature of the plan is the Sustanee™ Community Education Center (SCEC), which will be permanently funded, open to the general public, and offer educational programs and meeting events in partnership with the University of Florida, the Institute of Food and Agriculture (IFAS) and other interested environmental groups.
History
In 2015, the process to create a residential neighborhood on the property once known as the Rybolt Ranch began.
In 2016, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners approved a Comprehensive Text amendment for the Lake Pickett Study area establishing standards for future development in the area of the Rybolt Ranch property.
An application was submitted to Orange County and the process of making a land use change from agriculture to residential for Rybolt Ranch (now known as Sustanee) became official.
Many public meetings and hearings took place. Ultimately the plan was not approved by the Orange County Commission in November 2016.
A group of citizens sued Orange County challenging the Text Amendment to the Lake Pickett area in an effort to stop a nearby development known as “The Grow.”
An Administration Hearing occurred in March 2017 resulting in a recommended order in favor of the petitioners.
In March 2018, the Recommended Order was overturned, reinstating the County’s approval of the text amendment.
The residents challenged the Governor's Board decision in 2019 and the Court affirmed approval of the Text Amendment entering a Final Order on June 19, 2019 with no room for further appeals.
Facts
Total Acreage = 1,335
56% of land being left for public enjoyment
1,800 single family homes situated in 8 neighborhoods
No commercial or multi family
Within a 5-mile radius, Sustanee is surrounded by over 43,000 existing homes, making this an important infill project.
Property Taxes Generated at Buildout: Valuation is $1 billion netting approximately $20 million in tax revenue per year.
Benefits to the East Orange Community
1. Accessible Open Space
Sustanee will preserve over 860 acres for open space including a 25 acre hardwood hammock, and 11 miles of new trails throughout the neighborhood connecting to the Econ Sandhills Conservation and beyond. Currently, because it is privately owned, this land is not accessible to the public. However, with the development of Sustanee, these lands will be open and accessible for all to enjoy!
2. Creation of the Sustanee Community Education Center (SCEC):
Sustanee is intentionally planned around the idea of engaging residents and visitors with nature through education and design. A special feature of the plan is the Sustanee™ Community Education Center (SCEC), which will be permanently funded, open to the general public, and offer educational programs and resources in partnership with the University of Florida, the Institute of Food and Agriculture (IFAS) and other interested environmental groups.
This unique feature – the Sustanee Community Education Center – is a living, breathing example of the long-term commitment to the neighborhood. This is not a one and done type of amenity that ages and becomes useless, rather this Education Center is supported by a fully funded foundation (Sustanee Foundation) created by the developer and left for the benefit of the community.
3. Active and Connected Trail System
Sustanee will build 11 miles of new trails connecting to existing trails for a total of 16 miles for all to enjoy. These trails will not only provide connectivity but will also provide easier accessibility to the Econlockhatchee Sandhills Conservation Area and a 25 acre hardwood hammock park with trailheads.
4. Non–vehicular connection to UCF
On the northern portion of the project, a pedestrian and bike bridge will be built, allowing residents and the public to bike or walk to University of Central Florida and Research Park. This bridge will not be engineered to allow for cars, but will provide a non-vehicular connection to two major employment centers in our area.
Contact
If you would like to receive updates about Sustanee, please submit this form and our team will ensure you are updated on the progress of the project.