Back in February, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation that would officially dissolve the Reedy Creek Improvement District. DeSantis then hand-picked a new board to oversee the District, and, in turn, oversee Walt Disney World Resort. The board has since struggled to enforce its power. This became especially evident after it was discovered that the former Reedy Creek board had made a deal with Disney. The agreement — which was approved by the Florida State legislature — gave Disney ultimate say over the former Reedy Creek district until 21 years after the death of the youngest living descendant of King Charles III of England.
On April 19, the Central Florida Tourism Oversight Committee — the new name for the former Reedy Creek board — held a meeting. During that meeting, they passed Resolution 639. The resolution said that the CFTOC had the ultimate authority over land development in the area. As part of that power, the board is saying that they are planning on looking into affordable housing being built on some of the land.
At the meeting, one board member — Martin Garcia — said that he was “shocked” there wasn’t any affordable housing. While he may be right, he seems not to realize one important thing. Last year, Disney announced that they were taking 80 acres and building affordable housing.
Among the items Garcia says the board will evaluate is creating new zoning to develop affordable and workforce housing. Garcia says he’s “shocked” there’s none in the district. Disney World previously announced plans for an affordable housing project.
Among the items Garcia says the board will evaluate is creating new zoning to develop affordable and workforce housing. Garcia says he's "shocked" there's none in the district.
Disney World previously announced plans for an affordable housing project:https://t.co/qpHsqfwn9m
— Ashley Carter (@AshleyLCarter1) April 19, 2023
Just over one year ago, Disney announced that it would be developing 80 acres and creating affordable housing. Disney said that the lack of affordable housing in Central Florida had affected many residents, including some who worked at Walt Disney World Resort. The affordable housing development will consist of 1300 units at a variety of price points.
On the heels of the new board’s grab at development power, Disney has shared an update on its affordable housing development. Disney Parks Blog shared the following:
We’ve been making more and more progress on this initiative every day, and now, we’re thrilled to share that groundbreaking on this development is targeted for next year, with the first units anticipated to be completed in 2026. We are also expanding our vision to now include approximately 1,400 total units – over 100 higher than we had initially announced. We hope to make a positive impact wherever we can in our community, so to be able to offer more units means even more Florida families will get access to attainable housing, in addition to creating new Florida jobs as part of the construction and operation.
This new housing development will be close to the Magic Kingdom, schools, and shopping areas, including Flamingo Crossings Town Center. The development will be privately financed and open to those who fall within a certain income bracket.
Disney has not yet shared how you can apply to live in the new housing units. Disney Fanatic will update readers as progress is made on the development, when an opening date is announced, and more on how to apply to live there.
