News Summary
Residents of Acacia Cliffs apartment complex in Austin are protesting a redevelopment plan that threatens over 200 affordable housing units. The Austin City Council is set to vote on this controversial proposal, which some residents fear will lead to increased rents and displacement. Local leaders are supporting the residents’ calls for amendments to the proposal, while the developer insists that the plan includes tenant assistance and new affordable housing units. As the city debates, residents seek to protect their homes and the future of affordable housing in their community.
Austin Residents Rally Against Redevelopment Proposal Threatening Affordable Housing
Residents of the Acacia Cliffs apartment complex in northwest Austin are rallying against a redevelopment proposal that threatens to displace them from their homes. The current complex, which houses approximately 290 units, is facing plans to expand to 700 units. The Austin City Council is expected to hold a critical vote on this proposal during the second and third readings scheduled for Thursday.
This redevelopment initiative was initially approved in a first reading by the city council back in March. Many residents fear that if the proposal proceeds, it will lead to a significant reduction in affordable housing options within the area. Notably, the current plans only allocate 80 units for affordable housing under the Density Bonus 90 program (DB-90), raising concerns among those living in the complex.
Residents’ Concerns
Among the residents, there is a growing fear of the potential fallout from the redevelopment. One resident, who has been living in Acacia Cliffs since March, pays $1,200 monthly in rent and relies on social security income. For her, the prospect of moving would be devastating. Many residents have implored the council to delay the vote and to make amendments to the program to better safeguard their interests.
Local leaders, including District 10 representative Marc Duchen, have joined the residents in their cause, advocating for the establishment of an Austin Housing Opportunity Fund aimed at preserving existing affordable housing in the area. This proposed fund appears to be feasible, as there are currently available financial resources from the 2022 Affordable Housing Bond and the Project Connect Anti-Displacement Fund.
Collaboration with Planning Teams
Duchen is advocating for collaboration between city planning and legal teams to enhance the density bonus programs to provide more substantial benefits for tenants. Another resident, Jack Bright, emphasizes the importance of working towards affordable housing solutions alongside responsible developers to ensure the community’s needs are met.
Developer’s Position
Michael Whellan, a representative for Price Realty Corporation, acknowledges the residents’ concerns but emphasizes that the current city policies allow for redevelopment without mandated affordability or tenant assistance. According to Whellan, the proposed redevelopment would create a robust tenant assistance package and guarantee new affordable housing units for the next 40 years. He points out that while the existing units have age-related maintenance issues, the redevelopment aims to resolve those problems and enhance the overall efficiency of the apartments.
Future of Acacia Cliffs
Despite the controversy surrounding the redevelopment, it is important to note that demolition of the property is not anticipated until 2027. Residents will be offered relocation benefits should the redevelopment proceed, along with the right to terminate their leases without penalties. This avenue is intended to ease the burden on current residents, providing them with necessary support throughout the transition.
City Leadership’s Role
Currently, Mayor Kirk Watson remains silent on the specifics of the redevelopment proposal but has addressed concerns over affordability in his weekly newsletter. City leaders may face increasing pressure from the community to revisit housing policies and to safeguard the interests of current residents while addressing the growing demand for affordable housing.
This redevelopment proposal stands at a critical juncture as the city weighs the economic benefits of expanded housing against the urgent need for preserving affordable units for existing residents.
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Additional Resources
- KVUE: Acacia Cliffs Rally
- Wikipedia: Affordable Housing
- KXAN: Affordable Housing Support in Central Texas
- Google Search: Affordable Housing in Texas
- Urban Milwaukee: Milwaukee Affordable Housing
- Google Scholar: Affordable Housing Policies
- Austin Culture Map: Affordable Housing by Developers
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Affordable Housing Development
- Housing Finance: Cady Lofts Housing Project
- Google News: Austin Housing Projects
