This pass Thursday marked eight years since our community lost a hero – OPD Lieutenant Debra Clayton. Each day Lieutenant Clayton worked tirelessly to make Orlando a great place to live. She is certainly missed. Thursday also happened to be National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. Our community recognizes that OPD officers risk their own well-being to keep us all safe every time they put on their uniforms. We are thankful for their bravery and commitment to service.
AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS
Laurie Botts Retirement Proclamation
After more than a quarter of century with the City of Orlando, Laurie Botts is retiring this month. Laurie serves as our Real Estate Division Manager and truly loves our city. There is no question that she has played a key role in shaping Orlando into the vibrant community that it is today.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Proclamation
We would like to acknowledge the work of our Mayor’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission as we begin this week of celebration and recognition of Dr. King's legacy. The MLK Commission, along with our staff, work tirelessly throughout the year to ensure that we honor the dreams and aspirations of Dr. King and demonstrate his values in our community. Visit orlando.gov/mlk for upcoming events.
ITEMS OF NOTE
ALL HOUSING ITEMS
Moving on to items of note, we have several items on today’s agenda that support our key priorities of creating and preserving affordable housing.
B#24 – Affordable Housing in Callahan
First is a request to approve the Selection Advisory Committee's recommendation of The NuRock Companies’ proposal to develop 140 affordable apartments in the Callahan Neighborhood using Accelerate Orlando funds. The proposed apartments would be reserved for residents at or below 80% of Area Median Income, with 10% of the units dedicated to Permanent Supportive Housing.
C#14 – Rebate Program
Also on today’s agenda is the extension of the pilot program that provides Building Permit Fee Rebates for Certified Affordable Housing Projects. This program is another way we can incentivize and promote the construction of affordable housing for our residents. Since the program’s inception, the city has issued rebates totaling $782,695.99 for seven developments, that have created 1,005 affordable housing units.
F#2&3 – CDBG Funding Agreements
Lastly, we’re supporting the preservation of affordable housing for our residents, by providing $772,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to:
- Housing and Neighborhood Development Services (HANDS) of Central Florida, to upgrade kitchens in thirty-six (36) affordable apartments for low- and moderate-income households, and to
- Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay, to provide roof replacements for fifteen (15) homeowners.
We continue to work to ensure that every person, regardless of economic status, has access to quality housing that is safe and affordable.
C#2 – OFD Station 18 Design Approval
Another important item is the approval of the design for the new Orlando Fire Station 18, set to be built in District 1, in the rapidly expanding Lake Nona area near Narcoossee Road. Positioned strategically between Luminary Boulevard and Centerline Drive, the station will enhance response times, allowing firefighters and EMS to better serve the Poitras area and surrounding neighborhoods.
OTHER
K#5 - Neighborhood Improvement District Board of Directors