AUSTIN, Texas — The Austin City Council has approved Phase 2 of the Home Options for Middle-Income Empowerment (HOME) Initiative.
Phase 2 of the HOME Initiative will allow minimum lot sizes for homes in Austin to reduce significantly. Prior to Phase 2, the minimum lot size allowed in Austin was 5,570 square feet. Under Phase 2, that number drops to 1,800 square feet.
The council's approval came after members heard hours of public comment on Thursday and Friday, from both those in support of and in opposition to the initiative.
Councilmembers Alison Alter and Mackenzie Kelly voted "no," on the item, with Kelly saying this is not about building more, but rather about building wisely and responsibly.
"I've seen no convincing evidence that these newly developed smaller lots will be any more affordable to the average Austinite, especially compared to the quality of life that will be sacrificed in exchange," Kelly said.
But residents like George Vance McGee say the "status quo," was not working for your everyday Austinite.
"So what Austin was essentially becoming was just a rich playground for people and although that's allowed and okay, and I commend those people, it's regressing, you know a little bit more to the mean and having everyday people have access to our wonderful city, have perhaps more opportunities," Vance McGee said.
The city council included an amendment which directs staff to study the possibility of an equity/anti-displacement overlay, which will use zoning and potentially nonzoning tools to protect communities vulnerable to displacement.
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The initiative has been met with mixed reactions since its inception. Some say it's part of a solution for more affordable housing, while others say it will radically change the way neighborhoods look and feel and open properties up to developers who don't have the neighborhoods' best interests in mind.
Austin City Councilmember José “Chito” Vela, who represents District 4 and who has been supportive of the initiative, released a statement Friday after the passage of Phase 2:
“The Austin City Council passed a series of groundbreaking housing reforms today. I ran for office on a promise to expand housing opportunities for Austinites of all income levels. Tonight’s vote is a huge step forward towards that goal.
I’m proud to be a leader on housing reform. The Austin City Council has adopted some of the most significant land use reforms any city in the country has passed. As these changes begin to take effect, we’ve already seen rents drop 12.5% year-over-year – the second largest reduction in the country last year. Mayor Pro Tem Pool’s work establishing the HOME Initiative was crucial, and I want to express my deep gratitude for her leadership as we draw this process to a close. I also extend special thanks to Mayor Watson for his steady and pragmatic leadership.
District 4 will see massive benefits from compatibility reduction, ETOD, and HOME Phase 2. I can’t wait to see my community thrive as we establish more diverse and flexible housing options for renters, working class families, and multigenerational households. Today was a huge victory for all of Austin!”
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