Orange County Commissioners Vote To Move Forward With Disney’s Affordable Housing Project
Commissioners in Orange County yesterday agreed to move forward with Disney’s plans for an affordable housing project that would be built next to Walt Disney World.
Disney plans to build a 1,400-unit “attainable housing” development in west Orange County off Hartzog Road. The new development would be near Flamingo Crossing.
![affordable housing](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Screen-Shot-2022-04-15-at-8.41.18-AM-1024x395.png)
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An artist’s rendition of the new development. Photo: Also Disney
In total, Disney is allocating 80 acres of land for the project. The development is intended to house 1,000 units that meet the county’s definition of affordable housing.
“We are responding to Orange County leadership’s call to bring more positive change to our community and have a plan that will make a meaningful impact. We are pleased with tonight’s vote and look forward to continuing our efforts to bring affordable housing to Central Florida,” Disney said yesterday.
![Walt Disny World Sign](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Walt-Disney-World-Sign-1024x576.jpg)
![Walt Disny World Sign](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Walt-Disney-World-Sign-1024x576.jpg)
Photo: Greg Angel/Spectrum News 13
Residents Voice Their Opposition to the Project
While the project has a share of support, residents in the Horizon West area have flocked to community meetings to oppose the project.
![Flamingo Crossing Affordable Housing](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Screenshot-2022-11-16-at-09-51-44-Walt-Disney-World-Announces-Location-Developer-for-Affordable-and-Attainable-Housing-Initiative.png)
![Flamingo Crossing Affordable Housing](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Screenshot-2022-11-16-at-09-51-44-Walt-Disney-World-Announces-Location-Developer-for-Affordable-and-Attainable-Housing-Initiative.png)
Where the new development will be located. Photo: Also Disney
“Horizon West traffic is a nightmare. Yesterday people were stuck on Avalon Road for hours and Disney wants to add 1,400 apartments to this mess,” one person wrote to News 6 on March 8.
What Happens Next
After hearing from speakers on both sides of the issue, the Orange County Commission voted 4-2 to send the housing plan to the state for review.
![Affordable Housing Disney World](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Screenshot-2022-11-16-at-09-51-50-Walt-Disney-World-Announces-Location-Developer-for-Affordable-and-Attainable-Housing-Initiative.png)
![Affordable Housing Disney World](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Screenshot-2022-11-16-at-09-51-50-Walt-Disney-World-Announces-Location-Developer-for-Affordable-and-Attainable-Housing-Initiative.png)
Concept art. Photo: Also Disney
Next up, the Florida Department of Commerce and other agencies in Tallahassee will review the plan. That process could take several months. The Orange County Commission will then need to vote on final approval.
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