– Two Florida theme parks have announced plans to build affordable housing in the Orlando area, where it has become increasingly difficult for lower-wage workers to find places to live., the area's largest employer, said Wednesday that 80 acres has been earmarked for a development of some 1,300 units near its theme parks in Lake Buena Vista. The units will be available to qualified applicants who are employees or members of the public.
Last week, the Orange County Commission agreed to hire a consultant to study whether to consider a rent control ordinance. In a news release Wednesay, Disney said the development, which is still in the planning stages, would offer a variety of home choices that are “affordable and attainable." Universal's development, Catchlight Crossings, is a little further along, with plans submitted to the Orange County Planning and Development Department.
“Our vision has been to bring an innovative, new approach to solving our community’s affordable housing crisis,” John Sprouls, Universal's executive vice president and chief administrative officer, said in a statement. “This is about creating a community that will put residents first — a place that inspires them and that they will be proud to call home.