12 Altamonte to I be he the cut an Longwood man to bar convenience By PATTI McNULTY Longwood There's a heated argument brewing in Longwood and the outcome of a "little man" fighting big business may not be known for several years. Several residents of the Sandalwood subdivision are campaigning to stop proposed construction of a nearby Handy Way neighborhood store on the southeast corner of Rangeline and E. E. Williamson roads. AT A RECENT Longwood City Council meeting, Clyde Bennett, real estate agent for Miller Enterprises, Inc., Crescent City, requested the 150-foot square lot be rezoned commercial to permit construction of the store. Miller Enterprises, Inc., owns 75 Handy Way stores. Bennett said he met with 10 residents of surrounding subdivisions, some from Sandalwood and he said all were in favor of the construction. However, Harvey Alper, 111 Cashew Court, said the residents he has talked with are opposed to the project. *THE STORE isn't needed," he said. "It's just an encouragement for others to come in here and rezone to commercial. The residential character should be preserved." Alper said residents fear traffic hazards, "don't want a parking lot in their backyard." He said they also don't like the idea of beer and wine being sold so close to their homes. "My daughter doesn't need to be exposed to that," said the Altamonte Springs attorney. THE LOT is part of a 700-acre parcel owned by Charles E. Stum of Winter Haven, known as "Stum's Corner." Stum also sold an acre of his land to Longwood for a new water well. Alper said about 35 homes are in the area of the proposed site, and "it is more our fight than any other subdivision," he said. determined store Shadow Hill and sions line a large Road. ALTHOUGH ly how far away property, he said backyard. "We're concerned will be zoned Sandalwood is years ago with homes selling for Sandalwood Way untouched lots FEW TREES Court, where the live, but the and neat patches sidewalks. Bennett said has promised to install additional numerous orange store in Spanish the 10 residents. Alper and his cerned about a value should the HOWEVER, with Hattaway the Stum property, happen. *There is a site and veys have been Groves, the Woodlands. Devonshire subdiviportion of Rangeline Alper didn't know exactthe site was from his he can see it from his that whole corner commercial," he said. a subdivision built a few modest, contemporary about $35,000. Winding passes through several and cul-de-sacs. are seen on Cashew other three opponents lawns are well maintained of grass outline the Miller Enterprise, Inc., maintain the property, lighting because of the groves, and design the motif, as suggested by neighbors also are conreduction in property store be constructed. John Zabel, sales agent Real Estate who manages said that wouldn't buffer zone between the Sandalwood," Zabel said. "Surdone and it's been proven that doesn't happen.' Because Alper and his three neighbors, two of whom also are attorneys, spoke out against the project at the recent meeting, the city council scheduled a public hearing for 7 p.m. July 18. "If necessary, we'll take this as far as we have to . . . the people they're messing around with are the wrong ones," Alper said. "We'll definitely fight on this one and will make it a five-year court case if we have to."