Winter Springs to vote on taking golf course land for wastewater plant

The Winter Springs City Commission will consider a proposal Monday to forcefully take 10 acres of the old Winter Springs Golf Club for a new wastewater treatment plant. 

If approved, it would start a process where the city could eventually go to court to get the land from the property owner. Winter Springs City Commissioner Cade Resnick previously told Oviedo Community News that the city tried, and failed, to buy the land from the owner. 

“We did try to negotiate with him as the owner for the 10 acres, and the city feels that they can get a better price structure for eminent domain than they could for cash,” Resnick said. “We would need 10 acres for that West Wastewater Treatment plant.”

The meeting is being held at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16 at Winter Springs City Hall. 

The former golf course has been the rumored subject of development over the years. In 2023, the full 133-acre former Winter Springs Golf Course site was considered for a 492-unit housing development. 

Arman Rahbarian, the owner of the property, declined to comment, saying the issue is being handled by an attorney. 

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City staff is asking for a resolution, which would start the process.

“The city must adopt a resolution of necessity authorizing acquisition by condemnation and, before filing a case, provide the property owner with a binding written purchase offer,” staff wrote. “The owner has 30 days to accept or reject the offer. If the owner does not respond within that period, the City may file a condemnation petition in circuit court.” 

The condemnation petition would begin the process for taking the land under eminent domain laws.

Abe Aboraya is a Report for America corps member.