Osceola County and its Board of County Commissioners have been reiterating their commitment to providing affordable housing to the area, as well as assistance with rent, utilities, mortgage foreclosure prevention and food insecurity, using local and federal dollars.
As reported this week, the County Commission approved, at Monday’s meeting or through other recent actions, over $20 million in spending on projects that will create about 460 units of affordable and elderly housing units around the county:
$3.8 million provided over three years, for 60 units at Buen Vecino in Buenaventura Lakes to serve low-income elderly residents. Developed by the Osceola Council on Aging, the rent will be established based on the applicant’s income.
$2.7 million for Cameron Preserve II, million for construction of a minimum of 80 affordable housing rental units. An extension of Cameron Preserve I, a 100-unit complex off U.S. Highway 192 which begin leasing units in 2018. A clause with the developer requires occupancy of all Phase II units within 18 months from when the final certificate of occupancy is issued, or the developer will repay the County
$1.8 million to cover a gap for the Dillingham Apartments, which will create 30 units of permanent supportive housing for the chronically homeless in partnership with the Park Place mental health facility.
$13.75 million toward Falcon Trace II, 354 affordable housing units adjacent to the Poinciana SunRail Station. Funding is being requested as a deferred payment loan, with a 50-year long term affordability term and no interest. Construction is expected to commence September 2023.
According to county documents, this round of projects puts the number of affordable housing units supported at 1,024, funded at more than $41 million.
County Manager Don Fisher offered an affirmation of the county’s commitment to providing affordable housing at a time when rents and home prices are skyrocketing due to inflation and other factors.
“That’s not including rental assistance, utility assistance, acquisition of properties, food assistance, that’s $30 million (in total) since 2016,” he said during Monday’s meeting. “If anyone ever questions the commitment to providing affordable units, I believe the proof is in the numbers that the money’s being brought forward for those projects.”
“This is an enormous commitment from the County to increase our affordable housing supply. These investments will create life-changing opportunities that are crucial as housing prices continue to rise.” said Osceola Commission Chairman Brandon Arrington in a county release. “Supply Chain issues and cost increases are impacting individuals, businesses – and certainly threaten these much-needed projects. However, the commission is committed to ensuring these units are built.”
Commissioner Viviana Janer campaigned on affordable housing running for her first term on the board, and has kept at it as she runs for her third this summer.
“This board understands the importance of providing affordable housing opportunities for our residents,” she said. “Keeping these projects moving forward is key to making sure that we are addressing the need for more units, while not letting inflation derail our efforts or our intent.”
