The Hillsborough County School Board took a decisive step to address the rising cost of living for its workforce. In a 7‑2 vote, board members approved a 55‑year lease with Westbury Commons Ltd. to develop and manage an employee housing complex on six acres of unused land at McLane Middle School in Brandon.
Project scope and eligibility
The proposed development will contain between 100 and 150 residential units. Eligibility will be limited to district employees who meet income and residency criteria, including teachers, bus drivers, custodians and other staff members. Deputy Superintendent Chris Farkas estimates that roughly 10,000 district employees could qualify for the housing option.
Amenities and management
Westbury Commons Ltd. will handle both construction and day‑to‑day management of the complex. Planned amenities include a clubhouse and a swimming pool, as well as market‑rate apartment communities that will sit alongside the affordable units. The district will retain ownership of the underlying land, ensuring that the public asset remains under local control.
Board members weigh in
Board member Nadia Combs praised the proposal as an “innovative solution” to the housing shortage that forces many educators to live outside the county where they teach. Patti Rendon emphasized that the district is simply providing land and is not becoming a landlord or entering the real‑estate business.
Board member Jessica Vaughn cast the sole vote against the plan. While she agreed that affordable housing is needed, she voiced concern that the board was moving forward too quickly without a fully detailed timeline or rent structure.
What remains unknown
District officials have not released a construction schedule or an exact opening date for the complex. Rent prices and the application process have also yet to be finalized, leaving employees awaiting further details.
Next steps
The school district will continue to work with Westbury Commons Ltd. through the planning phase, aiming to provide a viable housing option for staff members struggling with local living costs. The board plans to monitor the project’s progress and keep the community informed as milestones are reached.
Community impact
By offering on‑site housing, the district hopes to improve employee retention, reduce commute times, and strengthen the ties between educators and the neighborhoods they serve. The initiative aligns with broader efforts across Florida to address affordable‑housing shortages for essential workers.
Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
