The deal: Mandel agreed to donate seven acres for an extension on Clermont, FL's commercially-strategic Hook Street where a $45-million high school housing 1,846 students is scheduled to open on 80 acres in August 2002. Without the road extension, students won't be able to reach the school.

And if construction on the road doesn't begin by Aug. 17, it won't be ready for next year's fall school term, school officials have been told by road contractors. Clermont is 25 miles west of Downtown Orlando.

In exchange for the seven acres, Greater Construction Co. was to receive approval for a townhouse community with densities higher than originally set by the city. Mandel went for the higher densities only after the city changed its initial road plans and took more land away from Greater Construction Co. than initially requested.