Recommendation for new affordable housing in downtown Austin
Recommendation for new affordable housing in downtown Austin KXAN.com
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Austin Community Impact Survey Results: Affordable Housing and the Former HealthSouth Property
AUSTIN (KXAN) — The City of Austin recently conducted a community impact survey to gauge public opinion on affordable housing. The survey revealed that there is an overwhelming demand for more affordable housing, particularly for individuals working in the healthcare, hospitality, and service industries. In response to these findings, the City Manager’s Office has recommended converting part of the former HealthSouth property into affordable housing. The location of the property, situated at the corner of Red River and 12th Streets, is conveniently close to Dell Seton and downtown Austin.
Austin City Council’s Priority for Mixed-Income Housing
The City Manager’s Office’s recommendation aligns with the Austin City Council’s priority for mixed-income housing that is affordable to households at or below 60% of the Median Family Income. This approach aims to address the pressing need for affordable housing in the city.
Survey Results: Desired Community Uses
The community impact survey involved 396 participants who were asked to identify three community uses they would like to see on the former HealthSouth property. The results are as follows:
- Affordable housing
- Community services
- Parks and open spaces
Challenges and Considerations
The memo from the City Manager’s Office acknowledges the unique challenges posed by current market conditions for the redevelopment of the former HealthSouth property. Rising development costs, including labor, materials, and financing, along with the abundance of market residential units in the downtown area, present obstacles to immediate redevelopment.
City staff highlighted that there are currently over 3,000 multifamily units under construction in downtown Austin. In contrast, affordable housing opportunities in the area are limited.
Regarding the remaining portion of the property, city staff recommended delaying a decision while closely monitoring market conditions. The availability of fewer restrictions on one of the parcels provides the city with more options for development.
The memo also points out that there are various planned and future construction projects in the immediate surrounding neighborhood that could impact access, property value, and connectivity with respect to the 606 E. 12th Street parcel.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 1: No Poverty – The issue of affordable housing is directly connected to the goal of eradicating poverty.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The article discusses the need for affordable housing in downtown Austin, which is related to creating sustainable cities and communities.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 1.4: By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular, the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership, and control over land and other forms of property.
- Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, there are indicators mentioned in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
- Number of affordable housing units created in downtown Austin.
- Percentage of households at or below 60% Median Family Income that have access to affordable housing.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 1: No Poverty | Target 1.4: By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular, the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership, and control over land and other forms of property. | – Number of affordable housing units created in downtown Austin. – Percentage of households at or below 60% Median Family Income that have access to affordable housing. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums. | – Number of affordable housing units created in downtown Austin. – Percentage of households at or below 60% Median Family Income that have access to affordable housing. |
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Source: kxan.com
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