Developer, School Board Square Off

CLERMONT, FL-It’s a study in basic commercial development leverage: Give up something of special value to get something of equal value. Robert Mandel, CEO of Greater Construction Co., one of Orlando’s oldest shelter builders, says so far, that’s not happening in a deal he made two years ago with the Lake County School Board. The school board doesn’t deny doing the deal and says the issue will be resolved shortly to everybody’s satisfaction.

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.