City Council Members Vote to Begin Displacement of Church for Soccer Stadium
Monday, January 27, 2014
By: Michelle Smith

January 27, 2014 | WMFE Orlando - Orlando's city council has voted to begin eminent domain proceedings to acquire land for a soccer-only stadium in Parramore. However, the council says it's still open to negotiations with Faith Deliverance Temple, the church that owns the land, before a court decides on this action.

Orlando initially offered $1.5 million for the land, but the 30-year-old church wanted $35 million to sell its plot on West Church Street.

In a council meeting Monday afternoon, Mayor Buddy Dyer said the city had, "come to an agreement that ensures the church can be successful moving forward."

A judge will determine in the coming months whether eminent domain is applicable.

If it is, Faith Deliverance Temple would receive solely the appraised value of $695,000.

This is the city's third eminent domain action filed in an attempt to secure enough land for the MLS-approved stadium.

Officials hope the arena will promote Orlando’s economy and bring about a resurgence for the neighborhood surrounding Parramore.