Two neighborhoods on the west side of Orlando are about to see some changes.
Lift Orlando and the Orlando Housing Authority have secured funding to start planning for the development of Lake Mann Homes and Lorna Doone Apartments.
They recently obtained a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grant.
This grant marks the beginning of a $1.8 million redevelopment plan for Lake Mann Homes in Washington Shores and Lorna Doone Apartments in West Lakes.
The development team is responsible for securing the remaining funding needed for the project.
“We want the residents to tell us what they want their community to look like,” said Sandy Hostetter, Lift Orlando’s vice president of asset development.
A special team of advisors, including people who live in those housing areas, will be formed to offer ideas and supervision.
However, some worry that “redevelopment” means they’ll have to leave their homes. Lift Orlando representatives assure that’s not the case.
“This isn’t about gentrification or moving residents out and replacing it with housing for someone else,” Hostetter stated. “This is the opposite. This is about them creating a plan for what they want their housing to look like, and their community to look like. We make good on the plan.”
The organizers need to ask all residents in both places for their opinions. They aim to get at least 65% of the surveys, but they hope for 80%.
In addition to the plans for these two communities, developers also intend to build 315 more mixed-income units in the area.
After finishing the planning grant, Lift Orlando and OHA can apply for a HUD Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant. This grant can provide over $50 million for the physical development of the plans.
