ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. \u2014 Many families in Orlando are being priced out of their own neighborhoods. In response, Orange County is exploring a new program that could convert church-owned land into affordable homes.<\/p>\n
The proposal was presented by the county\u2019s planning administrator this week. The program would reduce regulatory barriers dictating where homes can be constructed and allow more flexibility in the types of housing that can be built.<\/p>\n
Bishop R. Keith Hicks of Orlando West Ministries says he sees the struggle that people face and hears stories from members of his church.<\/p>\n
\u201cThings are expensive, and it\u2019s difficult,\u201d he said. \u201cA lot of residents are being pushed out of their homes.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Bishop\u2019s church sits on a site with large plots of unused land.<\/p>\n
He believes it could easily accommodate an apartment complex and says he is eager to hear more from the county.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy initial reaction is excitement, positive vibes, hope. I believe that we can make a change, do some things in this community that give our residents hope and belief,\u201d said Hicks.<\/p>\n
The county planning administrator says the initiative is not a cure-all for Orlando\u2019s housing challenges, but it could serve as a valuable tool to expand the affordable housing stock.<\/p>\n
Orange County\u2019s Planning Administrator, Nicolas Thalmueller, says project funding would not come from the county.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is really going to be privately driven,\u201d said Thalmueller. \u201cThe way it\u2019s structured is to allow for partnerships between those traditional affordable housing developers and the religious institutions that own the land. So, it\u2019s going to be project to project, what type of funding and financing resources are available, obviously through the county\u2019s affordable housing trust fund and other programs.\u201d<\/p>\n
The next steps for the program include discussions with church leaders and local communities.<\/p>\n
Officials say the proposal could go to the County Commission for consent as early as March 2026.<\/p>\n
Thalmueller says there will be limitations.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur expert staff is going to be reviewing these projects, assuring that everything is designed and built to fit in kind of compatibility with existing neighborhoods,\u201d said Thalmueller. \u201cThey\u2019re still going to have to go through the steps to address some of the infrastructure concerns just like any other type of development.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bishop Hicks says the program could directly benefit his community.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re very open to it because even in this area, the median income is very low,\u201d he said. \u201cSo, we will qualify for it, and we will be able to help our community.\u201d<\/p>\n
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