Local

Residents in Orange Co. housing complex upset over holiday decorations

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — People in an Orange County public housing complex say they’re living around a modern-day scrooge.

At Orlando Housing Authority’s Villas at Carver Park, people put decorations on their doors and a few lights in the lobby. They also put up a Christmas tree, only to be told last week it had to go.

Residents said they had to move the tree into a corner of the sitting room, a room without decorations, and a room residents rarely use.

“I said, ‘Where’s the tree?’ They said, ‘We had to hide it.’ I said, ‘Why?’ They said, ‘We were told we couldn’t, because it was offending someone,’” said resident Beverly Albert North.

Residents said they’ve even more upset because the lobby of the Orlando Housing Authority is decorated with a Christmas tree and animated illuminated angels.

Housing Authority President Vivian Bryant didn’t talk to WFTV, but in her December President’s Report she wrote, “As President/CEO, I enjoy using a few hours to decorate our offices with the help of staff. Hanging ornaments, humming along to Christmas songs and sharing a treat together is a wonderful gift to me.”

In an email, the Orlando Housing Authority said there is no policy on holiday decorations. But no one has explained why these residents can’t decorate their lobby.

Residents also said they’ve been told they can’t have a Christmas or holiday party. They said they’d have to call it an “End of the Year” party.