Kissimmee City Commissioners will move forward next summer with a road project that they hope to change downtown fabrics.
The Connect-Kissimmee-Plan, approved on April 6, narrows almost two miles of downtown’s main road between John Young Parkway and Vine Street from four lanes to two miles. The $16.3 million project aims to make downtown pedestrian-friendly by expanding sidewalks and reducing vehicle traffic.
The commissioner fought over the idea of a “road diet” for years. This reduces lanes and slows down speeds to improve safety, slow down speeds, and improve mobility for everyone, as business owners were concerned about the economic impact. Downtown streets feature city nightlife, with restaurants and shops.
However, the tide appeared to have changed at the committee on January 7th. There, the business owner spoke in support of it.
Raypersons, owner of popular Broadway restaurants and bar 1881, asked the commissioner at the meeting to rethink the hallway and track a long-debated plan to cut lanes.
“When people identify with Kissimmee, they have something to do with that historic downtown area,” Parsons said. “It’s politically difficult. It takes courage, not everyone agrees, but this board needs to agree.”
The funding comes from city and Florida Department of Transportation grants, but at this point it is unclear how much the state’s funds are involved or how much the city is taking. The city said work is expected to begin in August 2026 and end in 2029.
In addition to narrowing down the streets, city engineer David Gomez added roundabouts to the intersection of Ruby Avenue and Emmett Street for work, extending sidewalks, adding bike lanes and street parking, and W. Dakin Avenue, W. Monument Avenue, W. Darlington Avenue, Stewart Avenue.
Gomez said the initial stage would include roundabouts, bike lanes and street parking on Broadway from Stewart to Neptune Road. The next part begins about 8-9 months after Phase 1 work is finished, and involves adding pavement stones to the intersection from Neptune Road to Vine Street, he said.
All commissioners supported the project, but some people raised concerns about it at the meeting.
Commissioner Carlos Alvarez questioned how two years of construction would affect the business. He said he is worried about the massive construction in the coming years as the city is now pondering hotel options in the downtown corridors.
Mayor Mike Steigald admitted that the work caused some confusion. Especially regarding sidewalk use.
“The reality is that the road diet will take you out more sidewalks, which will affect downtown merchants a little more,” Steigerwald says. “We are considering incorporating plans into construction projects to inform our businesses regularly as the project is occurring.”
Commissioner Angela Eady has raised concerns about the staple food of the Light Festival Parade, a city’s Christmas tradition for over 20 years. The event will draw thousands of people from the entire area lined with sidewalks as cars slowly run with colorful lights.
“I can’t go for two years without a Christmas parade,” Edie said.
However, Steigerwald said construction is suspended every year due to a massive downtown event.
Alex Alemi, a Kissimmee resident who frequently visits committee meetings, told them he viewed the project as an example of how the commissioners heard public feedback.
“I think it represents a true evolution of our downtown. It pulled it down to one travel lane in each direction,” said Alemi. “I think it will help stimulate business downtown, and it will support the local economy.”
Original release: May 12, 2025 at 3:55pm EDT
