The Denton City Council on Oct. 14 approved an ordinance waiving roadway impact fees for McAdams Havens Apartments, authorizing a waiver not to exceed $140,600.

The motion to approve the waiver passed 6–1 after council debate over trade-offs. The project, located near Lindsay and Bernard streets, is a federally funded 9% tax-credit affordable housing development that staff said scored highly in the regional competition. Christine Taylor, assistant city manager, told council the project pairs deep affordability with supportive services and that nearly three-quarters of proposed units (about 75%) will be targeted at 30% area median income.

Council supporters said the waiver helps the city meet stated goals for deep affordability and homelessness transitions. Councilmember who seconded the motion said the project will house highly vulnerable residents and noted staff had confirmed the property will receive 9% federal housing tax credits and a partial property tax exemption through the project’s nonprofit partner (DAC). Supporters urged the council to use available legal tools to attract projects that serve residents with the greatest needs.

A dissenting councilmember opposed the waiver on fiscal grounds, saying it would reduce funds available for street repairs at a time of budget shortfalls and argued the project would move forward without the waiver because it already qualified for tax credits.

The council did not specify additional conditions on the waiver during the vote. Staff said the waiver is permitted under state law and was included in the meeting backup. The motion instructions and vote were recorded as: mover Representative from District 2; second Representative from District 4; outcome approved (6 yes, 1 no).