The Orange County Planning & Zoning Commission passed Disney’s affordable housing plans in a 5-1 vote, although some locals are pushing back against the project.
Disney announced the affordable housing project in April 2022, earmarking 80 acres of land for development in the Horizon West area on Hartzog Road in Orange County, Florida. Following the most recent vote, the project will move to the Orange County Board of County Commissioners for final approval.
Disney initially announced the community would have more than 1,300 units, which later was clarified to 1,410. Following resident objections, Disney announced at the most recent meeting that the number was decreased to 1,369 units.
Brian Forster of LandDesign also said planned buildings will be consolidated to allow for more open space, including a 2-acre community park along Avalon Road. The park will be open to everyone, not just residents of the affordable housing.
Disney also announced that there will be a traffic signal and crosswalk at the Avalon Road entrance to the community. The crosswalk will allow residents to walk to nearby businesses. The area will also get additional turn lanes.
Some locals are concerned about the new development and increased traffic. Horizon West resident Charles Hassle said, “This is adding 1,400 homes onto a two-lane road. That also has a school. Safety is a concern.”
A Disney spokesperson said, “Our goal remains to help solve and contribute to what Orange County leaders have identified as one of the top issues in our region. We look forward to returning to the Board of County Commissioners and presenting this unique plan to bring more than 1,000 affordable housing units to Central Florida.”
If the county commissioners vote in favor of the project, construction will begin this fall. It will take about 5 years to complete the project but the first units are expected to open in 2026.
Source: WFTV 9
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