S.M.A.R.T.Housing^TM proposal embraced

Residents of the Astor Place Neighborhood and City Officials scheduled a joint press announcement regarding the proposed development in the Astor Place neighborhood today.

Initially, the neighbors expressed opposition to a proposed S.M.A.R.T.Housing^TM development; since then, City and Austin Housing Finance Corporation staff have been working on a proposal to accommodate the concerns of the neighbors and the developer while meeting the city's housing priorities.

The neighborhood had expressed concerns about the development, proposed by KRDB, architecturally unique developers doing affordable housing, because of the design of the proposed units. Neighbors feared they (the housing units) would be incompatible with the character of the existing community. As a result, staff worked out a solution that is beneficial to all.

The AHFC has purchased the resubdivided lots from KRDB homes and has developed a plan to build 5 homes on 5 lots that were resubdivided by KRDB. These homes will be 3 bedroom-2 bath homes that are more traditional in design and will sell for approximately $120,000. The remaining three lots will be left vacant.

In addition, the agreement acheived the following benefits: responding to the concerns of the neighborhood; increasing the number of affordable housing units; reducing the potential pressures of gentrification in the neighborhood; allowing for an area of property to serve as a buffer between the neighborhood and MLK Blvd; and maintaining a positive working relationship with KRDB.

City officials agree that if this development had not been a part of S.M.A.R.T.Housing^TM it would have been left to the more traditional ways of resolving this dispute.

The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Please call 974-3100 (voice) or 974-3102 (TDD) for assistance. This project is made possible by funding from HUD through the City of Austin.

CONTACT: Julie Beggs, 974-3121 (voice)