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100-Acre Harness Racing Track Put Out to Pasture Along with Commercial Developers' Dreams

ORLANDO-The highest and best use for Ben White Raceway, sitting on a strategic corner in the city's industrial northwest sector for 50 years, is now as a city recreational facility and possibly as an equestrian training area for non-profit groups.

By Alex Finkelstein | Updated on October 31, 2000

ORLANDO-The city expects to announce its decision by year end on the ultimate fate of Ben White Raceway, a 50-year-old, 100-acre landmark property in the area’s industrial northwest sector.

But one route the horse-training and sulky-trotting turf won’t be taking is along commercial real estate row. Instead, the city has decreed most of the 100 acres will be used for public recreational purposes such as baseball diamonds, softball fields, a running track and possibly as an equestrian training area for non-profit groups.

Had it chosen to put the hallowed dirt on the market, some brokers feel the city could have grossed $100,000 per acre ($2.30 per sf) or $10 million at the least. Other brokers tell GlobeSt.com the land would bring in $200,000 per acre or $4.60 per sf for a $20 million windfall to the city.

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