Orlando council approves zoning change for Coalition for the Homeless campus modernization

Orlando City Council on Jan. 27 approved a zoning amendment to permit redevelopment of the Coalition for the Homeless campus in the Paramore area, clearing the way for a planned six‑story facility that city officials said would increase shelter capacity and provide on‑site services.

Mayor Buddy Dyer told the council the project would modernize the Coalition’s campus and create a six‑story building to serve up to 350 women and children, an increase from 240 today. Dyer said the expanded campus would include counseling, medical and dental services and childcare on site so residents would not have to leave for those services. He said the city has publicly expressed support for using some Accelerate Orlando funds toward the modernization.

The item was presented as an amendment to the city’s land‑use and zoning regulations for the property described in ordinance 2025‑4. The council voted to adopt the ordinance after a public hearing and a short public comment period; the motion was made by Commissioner Rose and seconded by Commissioner Sheehan and passed on a unanimous vote.

Several residents spoke during the public hearing. LaWanna Gelser of Paramore said she supports solutions for people experiencing homelessness but criticized the city’s approach to placing social‑services facilities in Paramore, describing long‑running neighborhood impacts she attributed to prior decisions. Gelser questioned whether funding and outcomes have been adequately measured and urged the council to document community impacts and performance data.

Council members did not request a continuance; the council completed the public hearing and voted the same day. The final ordinance amends the city’s official zoning maps for the property and carries the effective date listed in the ordinance.

The council’s action does not itself appropriate funds; Dyer’s remarks said the city has publicly supported using Accelerate Orlando funds but the transcript does not record a specific appropriation vote at this meeting.

The council and staff noted the project will increase on‑campus services and capacity, which the mayor said will reduce instances in which women and children are turned away. There were no staff presentations in the record that specified a construction schedule or a final project budget at this meeting.

Public comment and council debate were recorded during the ordinance hearing and the item passed on a unanimous voice vote.