By Orange County Commissioner Christine Moore
Balancing the varying needs of healthy communities is required in good governance.
The BCC will likely submit two constitutional amendments to the citizens for their consideration this November. These amendments would protect rural lands and control excessive annexations, an attempt to reduce costly sprawl and utility expansions into important environmentally sensitive areas.
Additionally, property owners should be sure what development may be allowed nearby. The county is also developing a new comprehensive plan known as Vision 2050. State law and county ordinances require developers to preserve 35% of land in passivity in the Wekiva River Basin area.
Then on the other side of things, I am working hard on finding a location for a homeless shelter as many are upset finding chronically drug-addicted and mentally ill camping nearby. The county also funds rental assistance to prevent homelessness. Yet, we know that for every increase in rents and home prices we will see more unhoused. We must find a place for these folks other than in the jail system, which is an extremely costly approach.
Don’t we all wish that fewer people would move to Central Florida?
Growth hasn’t paid for itself, yet Orange County has so much opportunity for career and personal advancement. I recently returned from Tallahassee and drove through some impoverished areas along the northern section of US 27. Once I reached Lake County, the view drastically changed. Growth and investment were noticeably greater. We live in a great community, with thousands moving to our county.
Therefore, to make sure we are increasing new housing options, I asked for an update on all pending projects in District 2 from our planning department. Initial entitlements, construction plans, platting, and horizontal and vertical construction all take time. I’m anxious because I do believe a lack of housing supply leads to higher home prices and rents. The reviews for a new subdivision are detailed and costly. Anything local government can do to expedite projects will go a long way to creating much-needed new housing.
I have five projects moving on towards completion in all of District 2: Wekiva Reserve Subdivision on Votaw Road (71 units), Thompson Heights (26 units), Plymouth Sorrento – Affordable House Project (300 multi-family & 180 senior living units), Sable Village on Beggs Road (24 units), and Grassmere in Zellwood (153 units – left 70% of land passive). I expect construction to start on all of them in 2025. It is none too soon with our shortage of housing.
Let’s discuss impact fees for a minute. They are not paid until the very end of the project. Thus, unfortunately, it is impossible to add road capacity before the folks move into the homes. This is like what happens with new schools and portables. In a perfect world, with all the money necessary, these things wouldn’t happen.
As are many of you, I am blessed to live in a suburban subdivision with large lots. However, I’m learning that none of us want to pay enough taxes to keep the necessary roads in good condition in these suburban areas. We are in tough times to make it all work out. I look forward to partnering with you and sharing sufficient information to help you make the best decisions possible.
Enjoy your summer!
