Today, Winter Park

leaders are to consider the enforcement of its existing zoning laws. And if the city decides to enforce, some auto dealers will be forced to relocate.

WINTER PARK — Hundreds of cars pour off Interstate 4 onto Fairbanks Avenue and into Winter Park each hour, which allows Jewel Chowdhury’s business to thrive.

Many of the customers at this used-car lot see the ARC Motors sign while exiting the highway and stop to shop through his selection of pre-owned Mercedes-Benz, BMW and other makes and models.

Soon Chowdhury and his 45 cars may need to pack up and look for a new property because the city of Winter Park is considering enforcing its existing zoning laws, which prevent auto sales in that part of town. The City Commission will decide on the fate of his business and several others like it at its regular meeting this afternoon.

“It’d be a big loss,” said Chowdhury, who has rented the land since 2014. “This is a wonderful place for sales.”

City planners are recommending commissioners enforce the rules and close the four Fairbanks Avenue car lots within 90 days.

Winter Park changed its zoning rules in 2006 in hopes of sparking redevelopment along one of its main gateways into the city.

However, as economic conditions plummeted in 2007, elected officials at the time opted to allow the car lots to stay open for 10 years so the landowners could continue to collect rent from tenants.

Jewel Chowdhury has operated his ARC Motors on Fairbanks Avenue since 2014, calling it a “wonderful place for sales.” He says moving from the location would be “a big loss.”