A new, affordable housing project may soon come to Orlando’s Rock Lake neighborhood. Residents are expressing mixed feelings, with hopes that the development won’t disrupt local traffic or the area’s peace.On Monday night, approximately 35 community members attended a meeting to hear from developers planning to purchase and redevelop a Best Western hotel located at West Colonial Boulevard and Tampa Avenue. The proposal involves converting the hotel into 110 “attainable” apartments.”We want to create a community where people can afford to live,” said John Cowden of MC Equity Ventures.SL Capital Group, the West Palm Beach-based developers, say the apartments will be leased for about $1,000 to $1,100 per month on 12-month leases.Concerns from residents primarily revolved around traffic, safety, and the potential impact on property values.”I don’t think I want that to be the place where affordable housing is because that street is already busy,” said Aretha Simons, a local resident.Wadie Hood, who lives behind the hotel, voiced worries about crime and blight.”We don’t understand why everything is being dumped on the 32805 area code. We’ve done our fair share. We’ve been kind. We’ve been compassionate,” she said.Hood also expressed a desire to see more affordable housing and homeless shelters in other parts of the city.District 5 Commissioner Shan Rose said she is hopeful that the developers and community can collaborate to address these concerns while providing affordable housing options.”One of the things residents did mention in our community meeting was affordable housing as opposed to a homeless shelter, so we’re going to work with the community center to make sure we have the best solution possible,” Rose said.Developers plan to close on the property in December and hope to open the apartments next year. They also intend to meet with the community again in January.
A new, affordable housing project may soon come to Orlando’s Rock Lake neighborhood. Residents are expressing mixed feelings, with hopes that the development won’t disrupt local traffic or the area’s peace.
On Monday night, approximately 35 community members attended a meeting to hear from developers planning to purchase and redevelop a Best Western hotel located at West Colonial Boulevard and Tampa Avenue. The proposal involves converting the hotel into 110 “attainable” apartments.
“We want to create a community where people can afford to live,” said John Cowden of MC Equity Ventures.
SL Capital Group, the West Palm Beach-based developers, say the apartments will be leased for about $1,000 to $1,100 per month on 12-month leases.
Concerns from residents primarily revolved around traffic, safety, and the potential impact on property values.
“I don’t think I want that to be the place where affordable housing is because that street is already busy,” said Aretha Simons, a local resident.
Wadie Hood, who lives behind the hotel, voiced worries about crime and blight.
“We don’t understand why everything is being dumped on the 32805 area code. We’ve done our fair share. We’ve been kind. We’ve been compassionate,” she said.
Hood also expressed a desire to see more affordable housing and homeless shelters in other parts of the city.
District 5 Commissioner Shan Rose said she is hopeful that the developers and community can collaborate to address these concerns while providing affordable housing options.
“One of the things residents did mention in our community meeting was affordable housing as opposed to a homeless shelter, so we’re going to work with the community center to make sure we have the best solution possible,” Rose said.
Developers plan to close on the property in December and hope to open the apartments next year. They also intend to meet with the community again in January.
