Over 200 people filling the sanctuary and social hall of the Southwest Orlando Jewish Congregation unanimously supported building the new JCC  at the Rosen Campus at an Orange County-hosted Community Meeting.

Noting the project's unanimous support from those in attendance, Orange County District 1 Commissioner Teresa Jacobs said, "This has never happened before in six years" of attending community meetings as a Commissioner.

"The support for this project runs deep," Jewish Federation attorney Rick Geller commented.  He noted that the "vast majority" of over 300 family and individual donors "are making gifts of at least $1,000."

"One of the most gratifying things about this project is how we've conveyed to our children the importance of philanthropy," said Geller. "We've received dozens and dozens of canisters filled with nickels, quarters, and dollar bills from children. Our kids want this JCC built in the worst way."

Jodi Krinker, the Greater Orlando JCC's immediate past president, presented a video of children, families, and seniors participating in J activities.  "We want to bring these experiences down here," Krinker said.

Commissioner Jacobs cautioned that the community should not take approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Board of County Commissioners for granted.  "We need four votes to approve of anything, and I'm only one vote," she said. She urged members of the community to attend those meetings.

Jim Hall, Federation's land planner said that groundbreaking will not occur any earlier than 2008.  He explained that, after zoning approval, Federation must go through the process for permitting, as well as approval from the South Florida Water Management District.

The Planning and Zoning Commission is expected to consider Federation's application on July 19, 2007, at the County Administration Building, 201 South Rosalind Avenue, in downtown Orlando.

Click here for Rick Geller's remarks at the Community Meeting.