Disney’s affordable housing project is a go!
Disney’s affordable housing project has been given the green light to move forward now that the Orange County Commissioners have approved the project.
The affordable housing project was first announced by Disney in April 2022. 80 acres of land were earmarked in the Horizon West area on Hartzog Road in Orange County, Florida. In September, the Orange County Planning & Zoning Commission voted 5-1 in favor of the development.
Following a two-hour discussion on October 8, 2024, the Orange County Commissioners voted 6-1 in favor of the development.
Horizon West residents have been lobbying against the affordable housing project, worried about increased road congestion and pressure on schools. Their objections led Disney to decrease the number of units from 1,410. Disney is now working with The Michaels Organization to develop 1,369 units. At least 1,000 will be affordable homes.
The only person to vote “no” at the October 8 meeting was District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson, who represents Horizon West. Wilson attempted to delay the vote arguing that some residents were unable to attend the meeting to voice their complaints as they were preparing for Hurricane Milton.
A number of residents did voice concerns at the meeting and many more emailed their objections. A change.org petition advocating for the development to be moved next to the Disney College Program housing at Flamingo Crossings Village has almost 500 signatures as of Monday, October 14.
This project threatens the local environment and quality of life due to the inappropriate location and lack of adequate infrastructure. The area of Horizon West is overdeveloped, is already saturated with apartment development, and infrastructure is not adequate to support the additional 1,400 homes.
Walt Disney World Resort director of external affairs Tajiana Ancora-Brown told Newsweek the following:
Orange County leaders continue to identify affordable housing as one of the most significant priorities for our region, and we take great pride in bringing a plan to the table that can contribute to the solution.
The Michaels Organization hopes to break ground in 2025 and complete construction by the end of 2027.
Glad that Disney’s affordable housing project has been approved to move forward?