Council approves sale of 1.6 acres to developer for 140-unit affordable housing project

The Orlando City Council on Dec. 8 approved a public hearing and vote to transfer 1.6 acres of city-owned land at West Jefferson Street and North Orange Blossom Trail in the Callahan/Paramore neighborhood to Blossom Trail Housing Partners (also described as New Rock Companies) for $1.

City staff presented the legally required "good cause" justification under the city charter (chapter 13, section 7) for selling the property below its appraised fair market value of $1,544,000. Housing staff described the project as a 140-unit affordable housing development with a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom units and income targeting at multiple tiers (including 30%, 60% and 80% of area median income). A rendering was shown to council as part of the presentation.

There were no public speakers during the hearing. Orin Henry, the city’s director of housing, said the sale is intended “to increase the supply of much needed safe affordable housing to low and moderate income households,” to expand permanent supportive housing and to foster neighborhood development. After a motion by Commissioner Rose and a second by Commissioner Sheehan, council approved the transaction by voice vote; the mayor noted the sale requires a majority of all members per the charter.

The approval directs staff to proceed with disposition steps consistent with the terms discussed; the transcript does not include execution of a final purchase-and-sale agreement or construction timelines, which will be subject to later contract documents and permitting processes.