Walt Disney World Resort says it has earmarked nearly 80 acres of land to bring a new affordable housing development to life in southwest Orange County
This initiative has been in the works for quite some time and builds on The Walt Disney Company’s long legacy of bringing positive, lasting change to the communities it calls home—making an important difference locally to address one of the nation’s greatest challenges. the company said in an April 6 statement.
This new development, which is still in the early planning stages and subject to appropriate approvals, is expected to include more than 1,300 units and will be constructed by a third-party affordable housing developer on Disney’s land near its Central Florida theme parks.
The development will offer residents a variety of home choices that are affordable and attainable, located in close proximity to schools and the new and expanding Flamingo Crossings Town Center retail and dining complex. It will offer a variety of amenities to foster a strong community.
Disney says it will engage the developer to bring that same innovation, expertise, and attention to detail to this initiative. The development will be available for qualifying applicants from the general public, including Disney cast members.
“We are invested in working together with our community to solve complex issues,” said Walt Disney World Resort president Jeff Vahle.
“The lack of affordable housing is affecting many people across our country, including right here in Central Florida. With this initiative, we’re lending a hand to make a real and meaningful impact in our community by tapping into the best of our company’s strengths. This is the right opportunity and the right time to take action.”
More details about this initiative will be released later, as the company continues due diligence work with what it describes as a prominent affordable housing developer. Disney’s initiative will play an important role as leaders in the community—including Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings—continue to prioritize finding lasting solutions to affordable housing in Central Florida.
