Tomball council declines to back developer's 9% housing tax credit application after heated public opposition

TOMBALL, Texas ' The Tomball City Council voted on Feb. 16 not to support RBM Living's application to the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) for competitive 9% low-income housing tax credits for a senior housing project called the Enclave at Tomball Square (TDHCA project #26114).

The vote concluded a lengthy public hearing in which several residents urged the council to oppose the application and the developer defended the financing model. "It's not a Section 8 property," developer Matt Malmquist said during his presentation, adding that the 9% federal tax-credit structure allows higher-quality finishes and a financial model that keeps more units affordable. "We're seeking no tax relief or reduction or benefit from the City of Tomball," Malmquist said.

Residents who testified cited public-safety and service concerns, fiscal impacts and neighborhood compatibility. Becky Klepper, a Tomball resident, told the council, "I'm totally against this development" and cited worries about ambulance demand and tax burdens. Jeff Yuna, an adjacent property owner, said he feared the project would devalue neighboring properties.

Council members grappled with what the council's vote would actually accomplish. Staff and several council members…