Walt Disney World has received final approval from the Orange County Board of County Commissioners to move forward with its affordable housing project. Disney World’s affordable housing project was first announced back in April 2022, and since then, Walt Disney World has worked with Orange County and the developer to make adjustments to the project.
The Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted 5-1 in favor of the development, and as a next step, the developer will work toward groundbreaking.
Disney World’s Affordable Housing Project Receives Final Approval
Like other communities across the country, we know there are so many people and families throughout Central Florida in need of more affordable housing, and today’s vote is an important step forward in our efforts to contribute to the solution.
While the project meets the Orange County standards for affordable housing, the development will actually be a mixed-income housing complex with more than 1,000 units of the planned 1,369 units set aside as affordable housing.
The development is privately funded, and Walt Disney World does not stand to benefit financially from the project. The developer, The Michaels Organization, has elected to forego the impact fee waivers that are typically available to affordable housing projects, instead paying fees so that the county can use them to improve the area.
Additionally, adjustments have been made to the plans to allow for intersection improvements along Avalon Road, and there will be a contribution of more than $3 million in proportionate share funds for other improvements along Avalon Road.
While the land was donated by Walt Disney World, the affordable housing itself will not be limited to Cast Members. Instead, anyone who qualifies for the need will be able to apply to live in the community.
Disney has also announced that it has identified a 3-acre site on Disney-owned land that could be used for a fire station in the future – something that would address some of the critical public infrastructure need in the area of the affordable housing community.
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!
