(Bloomberg) -- Walt Disney Co. is designating 80 acres of land just outside of its theme-park gates in Orlando, Florida, for affordable housing.
The project, which is expected to include more than 1,300 units, will be available for Disney employees and others who apply, according to a statement released Wednesday. The company will work with a third-party developer specializing in such construction.
The land is located near the Flamingo Crossings Town Center, which has restaurants and shops targeting budget-conscious consumers. It's also near where Disney houses its college interns.
Disney has been criticized for paying low wages to some of its theme-park staff, many of whom struggle to find affordable places to live. The company also has been under fire in Florida from some lawmakers over its opposition to a state law banning discussion of sexual orientation in primary schools.
“The lack of affordable housing is affecting many people across our country, including right here in central Florida,” Jeff Vahle, president of the Walt Disney Resort, said in the statement.
The project is in the early stages, is subject to local approval and has been “in the works for quite some time,” Disney said.
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