Neighbors oppose proposed tax‑credit housing near Lakeshore and 19th; council told formal review is scheduled for February

An attorney representing multiple property owners told the Waco City Council Jan. 21 that his clients oppose a proposed low‑income housing project that would seek federal and state low‑income housing tax credits for a site at Lakeshore and 19th Street.

Andy Picillo of the Bier Cogen Law Firm said he represents landowners who collectively own roughly 200 acres around the intersection and described nearby parcels owned by Triad Development (Kenneth and Gary Young), a Slide/Charles tract, and West Dale Capital Investors (Joe Beard and Andrew Schmeltekoff). He said the applicant for the tax‑credit project is the Bassino Group and that the project partners locally with Friends For Life, a nonprofit led by Inez Russell. Picillo told council he does not oppose affordable housing in general but questioned whether the Lakeshore/19th corridor is the right location given nearby entertainment, commercial and potential grocery uses.

Picillo said the project involves two 30‑acre tracts under contract for the applicant and stressed his clients' concern that the tract is part of a developing entertainment and commercial gateway corridor. He described the group's intent to continue to participate in the Feb. 4 work session presentation and noted council will likely consider a resolution or vote on Feb. 18.

City Manager Bradley Ford said IR002 is an initial step in the tax‑credit support process and reminded council that developers apply to the state and request a local resolution of support that gives application points. Ford said staff would present detailed information on each application at the Feb. 4 work session and expects any requests for local resolutions to return later in February.

The Jan. 21 item was an informal report and public comment; the council did not take a final action on the project during the meeting.