A new affordable housing development could be on its way to the Pine Hills neighborhood of Orange County.

  • Old shopping center to become affordable housing complex?
  • Complex would be near Silver Star Road and Pine Hills Road
  • Orange County Commission expected to vote on issue April 11

Wendover Housing Partners wants to help revitalize Pine Hills by morphing a 33,486-square-foot commercial space at the Silver Pines plaza into affording housing for seniors.

The once-popular shopping plaza, now in need of redevelopment, is located near the intersection of Silver Star Road and Pine Hills Road.

"So, that's where the Ace Hardware store was and then it went to a library and from there, it went to day cares," said Sandra Fatmi, president of the Pine Hills Community Council. "It was pretty much in this area. ... It's kind of sad. It's gone through quite a bit. It's 33,000 square feet that's here that they're looking to turn into senior housing, so that's an interesting aspect."

Orange County Commissioner Victoria Siplin, who represents the Pine Hills area, said she has fielded several concerns about the proposed 120-unit affording senior housing complex.

"When we talk about development, we talk about compatibility," she said. "Does it fit?"

Siplin also serves as the county's vice mayor and said questions ranged from traffic concerns to the safety of the complex's residents.

"Another issue is that we say that it is designated for seniors and we want to make sure that it remains that way," Siplin said.

Redeveloping the intersection of Pine Hills Road and Silver Star Road, however, is extremely important. The area is considered by many to be the heart of the neighborhood.

"Yes, it is," Fatmi said. "It's downtown. Definitely with Evans High School being right there and a pillar in this community, it definitely is."

Residents are hopeful this is the type of project that will spur economic development, as well.

"It would (uplift the) area," Fatmi said.

The project could receive final approval from the Orange County Commission on April 11.

"This is part of revitalizing a community," Siplin said. "And when you have people who are willing to invest, you say, 'Thank you,' and you see how you can work with them."