During a public hearing on March 26, Walt Disney World’s plans to develop affordable housing in Central Florida were approved, according to WDWMagic, paving the way for the next step in the overall approval process.

Walt Disney World Affordable Housing Project Approved

The project was approved by the Orange County Board of County Commissioners, passing in a 4-2 vote. Per ClickOrlando, the hearing drew a “large crowd,” which included a divided community of supporters. The project will now move forward to seek approval at the state level.

According to the proposed plan, Disney plans to build 1,450 new units of affordable housing across 80 acres of designated land — located west of State Road 429 and just a few miles away from Magic Kingdom and Flamingo Crossings Town Center. The Michaels Organization will build and operate the property, which will be limited to applicants within a certain income range.

Per WDWMagic, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings motioned to move the plans forward for transmittal, though some board members favored postponing a decision. Demings’ motion succeeded.

Those who spoke at the event, including at least two board members, expressed concerns about a lack of transportation plan in what’s considered a congested area of Horizon West, where the project will be located. There were also complaints about a lack of schools and potential impacts on emergency services.

Locals have previously expressed concerns about the build, with some protesting the project entirely. Disney had followed up on their concerns with a statement last week.

Disney plans to break ground on the affordable housing development this year, with an anticipated opening in 2026.

Disneyland Resort has recently had its own successes on the path to realizing its DisneylandForward project, which was approved by the Anaheim Planning Commission on March 11.

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