Orange City officials say housing demand in the community remains strong as multiple new residential projects move forward and additional expansion is already being planned across several areas of the city.
During a recent follow-up interview regarding June 1 city council actions, Orange City City Administrator Matt Van Schouwen said the city continues to see significant demand for workforce and rental-style housing, particularly through multifamily and townhome developments.
New Workforce Housing Projects Move Forward
The Orange City Council recently approved resolutions of support for two Workforce Housing Tax Credit applications, including a proposed 16-unit multifamily housing project by Wielenga Properties and a four-plex townhome project by Rock Solid Rentals in Puddle Jumper 10th Addition.
Van Schouwen said the projects help address a broad range of housing needs within the community.
City Planning Continued Residential Growth
Van Schouwen said Orange City continues to see housing demand across the full spectrum, from starter homes and rentals to larger residential lots and suburban-style developments.
He said the city’s long-running Puddle Jumper developments have played a major role in providing more affordable housing opportunities over the past 15 to 20 years. The city recently expanded the development with the addition of Madison Place Southeast, where infrastructure work is expected to begin within the next month, and lots could be ready for home construction by this fall.
In addition to Puddle Jumper, Van Schouwen said Orange City is continuing development efforts in several other parts of the community, including larger-lot housing on the north side of town through the North Vineland area and suburban-style residential lots on the west side of the community near Unity Christian High School.
Housing Availability Remains a Challenge
Van Schouwen said while some housing needs are being met, workforce housing availability remains a challenge for the community and local employers.
Van Schouwen said the city’s role is to help create an environment where both public and private development can continue moving forward as Orange City experiences continued residential and commercial growth.
