AUSTIN, Texas — District 8 in southwest Austin has limited affordable housing options, which is why city leaders are considering signing off on a new development along Southwest Parkway. But some homeowners argue that although they believe there is a need for affordable housing, the city is illegally rushing the process.
According to the city's Housing Department, the developer, Manifold, is planning to develop a 438-unit, multi-family development that will be known as Sunset Ridge Apartments. The project will be under the city's Affordable Unlocked Development Bonus Program and a Restrictive Covenant Amendment (RCA).
The latter is a problem to residents who say this proposal is a zoning case and that city leaders are skipping steps.
"No development of this size, scope and density is appropriate for this specific parcel of land," said Chandler Harris, who is part of the Travis County's West Homeowners Association.
The RCA will establish a maximum impervious cover of 55%, which another resident said would go against the Save Our Alliance Ordinance.
"Given the extremely environmentally sensitive area, a development of this scope is just it's just not appropriate," Stuart Goodman, president of the Barton Creek Barton Creek Southwest Community, said.
Councilmember Paige Ellis' office responded that the project is not a zoning case, and the RCA, which is from the 1980s, as its written, allows a 55% impervious cover. Her office also added the project would abide by all water quality standards.
Other concerns raised over the proposal was safety concerns, lack of public transit and having those come in in "an area that is economically disadvantaged."
"There just are numerous concerns that I don't think the city is really focusing and paying attention to," Kristen Jacobs, vice president of the Lantana Homeowners Association, said.
"My challenge is that we're throwing tax dollars at profit developers in the interest of stamping out affordable housing as quickly as we can, and I think the city – with that laser focus – is ignoring some key elements around or just missing because are moving so fast," Jason Svatek, president of the Travis County West Homeowners Association, added.
Svatek noted he and other residents have been in contact with Ellis' office and are hoping for an alternative. Ellis' office in turn said it welcomes the concerns and has been engaging with the community.
Ellis released the following statement:
“It’s rare to have an opportunity to build affordable housing in District 8. D8 is one of the wealthiest districts in the city with the highest rate of home ownership but very little affordable housing. We have good schools, access to CapMetro pickup service, hospitals, retail jobs, and the ACC Pinnacle Campus. D8 is far behind on its goals in the Austin Strategic Housing Blueprint, and we rank last in the city for affordable housing options. This is a chance for our teachers, nurses, medics, and seniors to live in the neighborhoods they serve and build a stronger, more inclusive community.”
Council members planned to set a public hearing during Thursday's council meeting, but that has been postponed until May 2.
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