In a significant move to tackle the housing affordability crisis, Orange County has allocated nearly $21 million to develop affordable housing across five communities. The unanimous decision by the Orange County Board of County Commissioners, detailed in a recent press release, paves the way for 573 units earmarked for vulnerable and cost-burdened residents, of which over 42% are specified for seniors.
This dynamic initiative is the result of a pivotal allocation from the County's Affordable Housing Trust Fund. As told by Tanya Wilson, Director of Orange County’s Planning, Environmental, and Development Services Department, $19 million is directed to empower this vision, with the remainder, $1.85 million, sourced from the State Housing Initiatives Partnership program. Having begun in 2020, this marks the fund's largest single allocation, a proud feather in the cap of Mayor Jerry Demings' Housing for All Initiative.
Orange County has been striving diligently to address the housing shortfall, as initiated by the Housing for All Task Force in 2019. The Task Force aimed to devise long-term solutions for affordable housing scarcity. This latest grant allocation plays a crucial role in materializing those efforts.
The grant approval on Sept. 10 applies to various developments participating in this financial boon. As stated in the Orange County announcement, Southport Development, Inc. stands to gain $5.75 million toward constructing 100 units at 2020 Old Dixie Highway, among other beneficiaries.
The list of recipients showcases a spread of both family and senior housing projects. Ulysses Development Group is set to receive $7 million for 100 senior housing units at 1401 Duskin Avenue. Similarly, Banyan Development Group will be bolstered with a $3 million injection for 138 senior units at 416-420 Mariposa Street. Moreover, Archway Partners, LLC, has been bestowed $3 million for 104 multifamily units at 4475 Rio Grande Avenue. Elmington Affordable, LLC will capitalize on $2.1 million for 131 multifamily units at 10 and 30 South Ivey Lane.
