ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – One day after Orange County Public Schools approved the sale of the historic Hungerford property to Dr. Phillips Charities, the Town of Eatonville is preparing to take its next step forward after a long-running debate over the future of the land.
Residents like Eatonville’s Alexander McMillion say they are optimistic.
“I feel pretty good,” McMillion said when asked how he feels about the decision.
That optimism comes just the Orange County School Board voted unanimously to approve the sale on Tuesday, despite some community leader’s objection.
The approval clears the way for Dr. Phillips Charities to redevelop the site for community use.
“With a charity like Dr. Phillips being involved, that gives us an opportunity to use that property for what it was intended for, which was an educational purpose,” McMillion said.
[BELOW: Orange County schools approve sale of Hungerford property]
The 117-acre site was once home to Hungerford School, a historically Black school that served students in Eatonville for decades and remains deeply tied to the town’s identity. Despite the school being torn down for years. And the land being empty some say the grounds are sacred.
“Hungerford has so much history in Eatonville,” residents told News 6, adding they fear losing a vital piece of their heritage.
“All 10 of my siblings attended Hungerford,” said resident Eunice Ponder-Jones. “It should stay in the community to benefit the children and generate revenue for the town, without forgetting the roots of the Town of Eatonville.”
Current redevelopment plans include an early learning center, a health care facility, and green space. Dr. Phillips Charities President Ken Robinson says those plans will expand as community conversations continue.
News 6 asked Robinson what he would say to residents concerned redevelopment could erase Eatonville’s roots.
“That’s the last thing we want,” Robinson said. “We are there to make sure the history and legacy of Eatonville survives.”
Robinson emphasized that Eatonville’s involvement is essential.
“We can’t do it without Eatonville,” he said. “It would be terrible as Dr. Phillips to think we know so much we can do it without them. We will learn and listen to them.”
Over the next few months, Dr. Phillips Charities plans to meet with Eatonville residents to gather input on what they want to see on the property. Robinson says the organization hopes to break ground as early as October.
A community meeting on the project is scheduled for Wednesday night at 6 p.m. in Eatonville.