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The cutting of the ribbon to NeoCity Way
Call it the road to the future.
NeoCity Way, the central transportation corridor for Osceola County’s emerging technology hub for the creation of high-paying jobs and economic diversification, opened to vehicles, bicyclists, rollerbladers and pedestrians May 19.
The 2.1-mile roadway opens up NeoCity to future development. The new road, partially financed with a $5.8 million grant from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, provides NeoCity with a half-moon shaped main thoroughfare linking the technology hub to U.S. Highway 192 at Denn John Lane at its northern terminus, and south to U.S. 192 to Bill Beck Boulevard.
The new roadway, which includes a 1,600- foot spur called Ethos Park Drive, features two lanes of traffic with a divided and landscaped median, a grade-separated 12- foot Veloway specifically dedicated to bicyclists and rollerbladers, and two 10- foot wide sidewalks on each side of the road.
In addition to the state economic development grant, local funds were used to complete construction of the $11.3 million project, which broke ground about two years ago.
“Completing this gateway road allows NeoCity to realize its full growth and expansion potential as the world’s up-and-coming epicenter for smart sensors, photonics and optics,’’ Osceola Commission Chairman Brandon Arrington said. “It enhances access to surrounding business, helps relieve traffic congestion, and provides outdoor enthusiasts with terrific, new recreational opportunities.”
NeoCity is poised to serve as a catalyst for high-tech innovation and creation, including jobs and capital investment — all within the boundaries of a walkable, urban framework connecting people back to the community.
When fully built out, the NeoCity Master plan will include 2.9 miles of recreational trail, 2.5 miles of linear parks, a 1.1-mile boardwalk, 2.2 miles of dedicated bike lanes, 15 acres of open space, and a 10-acre urban farm anchored by a 166-acre water feature.
It effectively creates a new city within Osceola County that serves as a high-tech hub for the county, region and state.
“The opening of NeoCity Way is another critical step forward towards realizing the NeoCity vision,’’ said Commissioner Cheryl Grieb, who represents the NeoCity area. “As our infrastructure expands, so, too, will businesses, great jobs and capital investment in the area.”
Click on www.neocityfl.com for more information about NeoCity.
