As concerned residents of Downtown Orlando, we are opposed to the Mariposa Groves project on Mariposa and Jackson Street. Mariposa Groves is a proposed mixed-use, high-rise apartment building containing a senior (age 55+), low income, multifamily rental housing community with ground floor commercial retail. The property is located at 417 E Jackson Street between Mariposa Street and Jackson Street directly west of Star Tower. The Developer, Banyan Development indicates it will consist of 138 total units in a single, 11-story high-rise apartment building. The units range from 448 square feet to 954 square feet with 100% of the units reserved for low income senior housing.*

Following a controversial rezoning in 2020, the Mariposa Groves development is one step closer to reality. The developer purchased the land, and at the time was zoned for green space and parking in the City's long term comprehensive land use plan, however after purchasing the parcels, the Developer petitioned for a change to accommodate the project.

This decision sparked concerns from over 500 residents and businesses (and growing) who signed a petition citing the significant impacts on safety, health, and quality of life. Despite these concerns, the Municipal Planning Board and Orlando City Commissioners unanimously approved the rezoning. The decision violates the city's long-term land use code and will harm residents who have made long-term commitments and investments in Downtown Orlando.

Since the rezoning, 4 years ago, the developer has recently submitted plans for Mariposa Groves. These plans underwent a preliminary review by the Architectural Review Board in June 2024, and the final plans seeking approval are anticipated in the coming weeks.

We call upon the Orlando City Council and Appearance Review Board to remember their commitment to residents. The Mariposa Groves project raises serious concerns about the impact on our neighborhood's livability, safety, and health. Only by decisively rejecting this project can the Council and Board truly demonstrate their commitment to upholding the promises made to the residents they represent.

If you are against hostile, over-built developments that bring a multitude of issues for years to come such as increased community noise, increased traffic, increased strain on our sewer and drainage systems, and most importantly, a blatant disregard for commitments made to residents in keeping green space available, then please sign this petition and join your neighbors in saying NO to Mariposa Groves!

Click HERE to view the webpage Say No to Mariposa Groves.

Click HERE to take a look at a short video of the impact this development will have.

Click HERE to see the site plans submitted to the Appearance Review Board for a Courtesy" Review" in June 2024.

Relevant Case Numbers:
ZON2020-10008 - PD Amendment; Orlando Lutheran Towers
ZON2020-10009 - Mariposa Groves PD
MPL2020-10037 - Mariposa Groves Master Plan

*8 units will be studio efficiencies at 448 SF. 39 units will be traditional studios at 556 SF. 88 units will be 1 bedroom, 1 bath at 673 SF and 17 units will be 2 bedroom, 1 bath at 954 SF. 100% of units will be set aside at 70% AMI or below, with an average income of 60% AMI or below.

Please contact the City & County officials below to share your opposition to this massive development and all of the negative impacts it will have.

• Buddy Dyer, Orlando Mayor buddy.dyer@cityoforlando.net
• Patty Sheehan, Orlando City Commissioner (District 4) patty.sheehan@cityoforlando.net
• Elisabeth Dang, Orlando Planning Division Manager elisabeth.dang@cityoforlando.net
• Richard Forbes, Appearance Review Officer richard.forbes@cityoforlando.net
• Ronald Waitekus, Secretary Appearance Review Board ronald.waitekus@orlando.gov
• Jerry Demings, Orange County Mayor mayor@ocfl.net
• Emily Bonilla, Orange County Commissioner (District 5) emily.bonilla@ocfl.net