Via Orlando Business Journal:
"The CEO for the company that is building Disney's affordable housing community in Horizon West has been indicted in New Jersey on racketeering and other charges.
John O'Donnell, 61, stepped down from his position as CEO of Camden, N.J.-based The Michaels Organization after a 13-count indictment in June alleged that he and five others "used their political influence to tailor New Jersey economic development legislation to their preferences." The alleged scheme involved revitalization efforts in Camden.
According to a company release, Mark Morgan, Michaels' COO, has moved into the CEO role for the developer, which specializes in employee, student and affordable housing.
"Our organization’s focus remains, as always, on our mission of crafting housing solutions that jumpstart education, civic engagement, and neighborhood prosperity, and on creating communities that lift lives," The Michaels Organization spokeswoman Laura Zaner wrote in response to an inquiry from
OBJ.
Disney tapped The Michaels Organization in 2022 to handle construction and management of the proposed 1,410-unit village that will feature 1,000 apartments for people making 80% or less of the area median income. The project is to rise on 114 acres it owns just off State Road 429, near the toll road's interchange with Seidel Road.
"We are aware of the situation and are carefully looking into it," a Disney spokesperson told
OBJ in regard to the indictment. "Our goal remains to bring affordable housing to Central Florida, and we will provide further updates as appropriate.”
The affordable housing project is currently being reviewed by state agencies before a final vote by Orange County commissioners."