Why would Orlando pay $600,000 for this house?

The city plans to spend $6.8 million on this and 4 other parcels in Parramore?
Mark Schlueb Sentinel Staff Writer Check out the photo HERE

If you had $600,000 to spend, you could buy a five-bedroom, four-bath home in Hunter's Creek, complete with pool and vaulted ceilings -- or, if you're using Orlando taxpayers' money, you might spend that much on a weather-beaten rental home in Parramore.

If you had $1.4 million, you might consider a lakefront four-bedroom house in Belle Isle. Orlando taxpayers, however, are poised to spend that much on a run-down diner in the same neighborhood.

All told, Orlando officials are preparing to spend $6.8 million on five pieces of property that make up about a half-block of land in economically depressed Parramore, with no public discussion.

Mayor Buddy Dyer said the city has no immediate plans for the 1.8 acres. However, among the possibilities are a parking garage for a new Orlando Magic arena or leverage to persuade Home Depot to move a division headquarters to Orlando.

What's really going on here?