Universal has donated 20 acres of land in Orlando for a new affordable housing community called Catchlight Crossings. This project will create 1,000 housing units, primarily for service and hospitality workers in the theme park district. District 6 Commissioner Bakari Burns emphasized the need for affordable housing close to jobs.
Catchlight Crossings will allocate 75% of its units for families earning at or below 60% of Orlando’s median income. Burns noted that Universal’s decision was voluntary, aiming to attract workers who prefer to live near their workplaces.
The community will feature amenities such as tuition-free preschool and a transportation hub. This initiative supports the vision of a place where people can live, work, and play on International Drive.
Orlando faces a significant shortage of affordable housing, ranking fourth in the U.S. for this issue. The National Low Income Housing Coalition reports only 18 affordable units available for every 100 extremely low-income renters.
How does the partnership between Universal and local authorities strengthen the impact of affordable housing initiatives like Catchlight Crossings?
Interview with Housing Specialist Emily Carter on Universal’s Catchlight Crossings Initiative
NewsDirectory3: Thank you for joining us today, Emily. Universal has announced a significant donation of 20 acres of land for the new affordable housing community, Catchlight Crossings. Can you tell us about the impact this project will have on the Orlando area?
Emily Carter: Thank you for having me. Catchlight Crossings represents a crucial step forward in addressing Orlando’s affordable housing crisis. With 1,000 housing units being created, primarily targeting service and hospitality workers, this initiative will not only provide much-needed housing but also reduce the burden of long commutes. Many workers in these sectors live far from their jobs due to the housing shortage, leading to stress and reduced quality of life.
NewsDirectory3: District 6 Commissioner Bakari Burns highlighted the allocation of 75% of the units for families earning at or below 60% of Orlando’s median income. Why is this specific focus significant?
Emily Carter: It’s significant because a high percentage of workers in the service and hospitality sectors earn low wages. By prioritizing affordable housing for those earning at or below 60% of the median income, Catchlight Crossings directly addresses the needs of this demographic. This approach not only supports families but also helps ensure that essential workers can live close to their jobs—a critical component of sustainable communities.
NewsDirectory3: The community will also feature amenities like tuition-free preschool and a transportation hub. How do these amenities contribute to the overall success of the initiative?
Emily Carter: Amenities play a vital role in enhancing the living experience for residents. Tuition-free preschool makes it easier for families to access quality childcare without the financial strain, allowing parents to work without worry. A transportation hub is essential in a city where commuting can be challenging. It provides residents with easy access to public transport, reducing reliance on cars and minimizing travel times. Together, these amenities create a supportive environment for families, fostering community and improving overall quality of life.
NewsDirectory3: Orlando ranks fourth in the U.S. for affordable housing shortages, with only 18 affordable units available for every 100 extremely low-income renters. How does Catchlight Crossings fit into this larger picture?
Emily Carter: Catchlight Crossings is a significant contribution towards alleviating this severe shortage. The scale of the project and its focus on affordability aims not only to provide homes but also to raise awareness about the urgent need for more affordable housing developments in the area. It sets a precedence for other developers and employers to follow suit, showing that collaboration between private enterprises and community needs is possible and beneficial.
NewsDirectory3: District 5 Commissioner Shan Rose expressed hope that this project would inspire other employers to contribute to affordable housing efforts. What role do employers play in addressing the housing crisis?
Emily Carter: Employers have a pivotal role in this issue. They can leverage their resources and influence to support affordable housing initiatives. By contributing land, funding, or resources, they can help alleviate the housing crisis affecting their employees. As we see with Universal, their voluntary decision to support affordable housing not only benefits their workforce but also enhances their community brand and helps create a stable workforce.
NewsDirectory3: the first phase of Catchlight Crossings is set to open in 2026. What should we look out for as this project develops?
Emily Carter: As the project unfolds, it will be important to monitor community engagement and support. Keeping residents involved in the planning process can lead to better outcomes that genuinely meet their needs. Additionally, watching how this project influences other employers and developers will be crucial. Hopefully, we will see a ripple effect as more stakeholders recognize the importance of contributing to affordable housing, which can lead to a broader transformation in Orlando’s housing landscape.
NewsDirectory3: Thank you for your insights, Emily. Your perspective sheds light on the importance of Catchlight Crossings for the Orlando community and the larger fight for affordable housing.
Emily Carter: Thank you for having me. It’s an important topic, and I look forward to seeing how this initiative unfolds.
District 5 Commissioner Shan Rose supports the project and hopes it inspires other employers to contribute to affordable housing efforts. He mentioned that improved housing could reduce commuting challenges for workers.
The first phase of Catchlight Crossings is set to open in 2026.
