AUSTIN, Texas — This week, the Austin City Council discussed a spot of prime real estate in Downtown Austin.
There is currently a massive redevelopment proposal plan for the Austin American-Statesman building on South Congress Avenue.
The old headquarters for the newspaper by Lady Bird Lake could eventually become a six-tower project to include office and retail space, a hotel and more than 1,300 residential units.
But the city council hasn't decided if it will approve the zoning changes for the project because it is disputing with the developer over affordable housing units.
"The planned unit development ordinance, or the PUD ordinance, requires 10% of the housing units on a on a tract be affordable," Councilmember Kathy Tovo said.
The developer had previously proposed making at least 4% of the residential units available for low-income earners, but the city council wants to see that increased to 10%.
"We hold developers accountable to those requirements so that we get that affordable housing in all parts of town, not just in the areas where land is cheapest," Tovo said.
As a second option, Tovo said the developer offered to convert 55 apartment units on the eastside, which would bring affordable housing faster but it wouldn't be waterfront.
The company has mentioned paying a fee in lieu of the 10% of affordable housing. Those fees range from $5 to $18 per square foot based on location.
In the past, the city council has said that fee is small compared to what the City would be losing.
"My hope is that we'll be looking at onsite units and that the council will, you know, will stay firm on that," Tovo said.
Tovo said the aim is so people can live where they work and the City's goal of affordable housing across the city can become reality.
The city council pulled the plans for further discussion at its Thursday meeting.
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