Hours after Orange County School Board Chairman Bill Sublette talked about siting concerns that plague the district at the school district's annual "State of the Schools" address, a decision was made: A relief high school was finally approved to alleviate overcrowding at West Orange High School.

At the close of Tuesday night's meeting — which was, at times, heated — Orange County commissioners voted to build the school in the west Windermere area on County Road 535 and Ficquette Road. 

The 350,000-square-foot school will have room for about 2,800 students. As part of that agreement, a football stadium won't be built on campus.

Getting to this decision has been an uphill battle. County Commissioners first denied the plan two years ago. But, after months and months of litigation and meetings, commissioners approved the school — with some restrictions.

There were plenty of people who were against the relief school who showed up to Tuesday's meeting wearing red shirts. Those in favor of the school donned orange shirts.

"I have a child at West Orange that desperately needs relief, so we are excited," said Julie Sadlier, a parent. "We did have to give the stadium to offsite facility, but we are excited the community can put this behind them."

Meanwhile, those against the decision said traffic and noise are two big reasons why they're against the school. Commissioners came up with compromises to deal with those complaints.

Some of the compromises include restrictions on signage, bleachers and portables. Noise restrictions also include band practice must end no later than 8 p.m.

Neighbors, however, said they're still going to fight the decision.

"We will continue to review carefully the effect that their actions have on the rights and the interests of our members, as well as all Orange County property owners and we will respond accordingly," June Cole said.

Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs said she understands people are disappointed, but she added: "Good planning and good zoning is all about giving people some reasonable expectation as to what is going to happen around them. ... Unfortunately, by the time we got to this point, we didn't have any other options as a board."
    
Jacobs said the school should be built in two to three years.