Freeport approves cooperation agreement to support Sienna Villas post-hurricane repairs

The Freeport City Council unanimously approved May 19 a cooperation agreement with Texas Home Collaborative, a public housing authority, to assist Sienna Villas Apartments following major hurricane damage.

City Manager Petty summarized the agreement as non‑financial: the city will identify local service providers, assist with departmental approvals and expedite procedural requirements and council approvals necessary for project development, including TDHCA 4% tax credit applications. “The city agrees to support the project with the same degree of public services that it supplies to other similar multifamily developments within the city,” Petty said.

Council members asked whether the agreement streamlined inspections or reduced fees. Petty and staff said there is no inspection-streamlining privilege nor discounted inspection or code-enforcement fees for Sienna Villas; inspections and fees will be applied consistently with other projects. Staff also said the city is not a party to contracts that would create direct financial liability under the agreement.

Councilman Pina moved approval; Councilman Davis seconded. No representatives from Sienna Villas were present to comment. During discussion, a council member noted the high local poverty rate and said the initiative could increase affordable housing stock in the city. The motion carried unanimously.

Action: motion to approve by Councilman Pina, seconded by Councilman Davis; vote unanimous.

Clarifying detail: staff said it would facilitate permits and brief council as requested; the city will not provide direct funding and the agreement is intended to speed recovery and ensure services reach low- and moderate-income residents at the project.