Instead, the city opted to develop the former harness racing track as a $4.3 million recreational park which broke ground this week at Lee Road and North Orange Blossom Trail (US 441). The park opens in 2002 as part of a $30 million public park-building initiative.

"This is a judgment call the mayor and the council had to make as they listened to area residents for their takes on the highest and best use for the land," Robin L. Webb, vice president/managing broker, Arvida Realty Services Commercial Division, Winter Park, FL, tells GlobeSt.com. "Developers, understandably, don't see it that way."

Some brokers feel the city could have grossed $100,000 per acre ($2.30 per sf) for the turf. Other brokers tell GlobeSt.com on condition of anonymity their recent sales show the dirt could have commanded $200,000 or $4.60 per sf for a $20 million windfall to the city.