Business View Civil & Municipal - May 2023

95 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 5 to stop and visit. Bulthuis says recreation impact fee money will be used to help fund this project. Economic development is another critical consideration for the city. Clermont is working diligently to lay the groundwork for economic development through various infrastructure projects. The work underway in the Wellness Way area is another example of successful partnerships between municipalities and private businesses. One portion of the Wellness Way area is a planned community called Olympus. This project includes sports venues, arenas, shopping areas, and residential spaces. Bulthuis emphasized the role of private developers in this project. “They’re paying for running the water and sewer. They’re paying for the roads that are going in.” This cooperation allows for growth and new assets to be brought to the community. When discussing internet connectivity, Bulthuis mentions that Spectrum primarily serves the city, with some new developments collaborating with private companies for different deals. To modernize the city, City Manager Bulthuis is keen to reduce bureaucracy and make the permitting process for businesses more user-friendly. He says,“We continue to focus on ensuring our permitting process is as user-friendly as possible.” Additionally, Clermont has plans to improve its transportation infrastructure. Bulthuis offers two projects that will provide better east-west connections. The first is the development of the road that will become Wellness Way. Completion is expected by the fall of 2024 and once completed, it will offer a direct route from Highway 27 to State Road 429. The second project, the Lake Orange Connector, is a toll road scheduled for completion in the 2026- 27 timeline. Both roads aim to alleviate traffic congestion and improve transportation in and around Clermont and beyond to the Orlando area. CLERMONT , FLOR IDA