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Community Development Commission urges Austin to buy Montopolis Fairway parcels to curb displacement
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Summary
The commission voted to recommend that City Council purchase 1.9 acres in the Montopolis Fairway zoning case to preserve single‑family lots and enable deeply affordable housing, following testimony that the parcels are threatened by gentrification.
The Austin Community Development Commission voted April 14 to urge City Council to acquire the 1.9 acres known as the Montopolis Fairway to preserve single‑family housing and enable deeply affordable homes.
Susana Almanza, executive director of People Organized in Defense of Earth and Its Resources, told commissioners the neighborhood is a "sacrifice zone" for long‑time residents and urged purchase to protect families. "Help us to protect our families and our community by purchasing properties located in the Montopolis Fairway zoning case," Almanza said.
Commissioner Menard presented a written recommendation that cites the 2018 University of Texas report Uprooted: Residential Displacement in Austin’s Gentrifying Neighborhoods and the Montopolis neighborhood plan adopted in 2001. The recommendation lists parcel addresses in the zoning case and asks council to acquire those parcels for future low‑income single‑family housing.
Commissioners debated next steps and asked whether the commission should also include contingency strategies if council declines. Commissioner Lyric suggested adding alternative actions such as fee waivers and fast‑track affordable projects to make the proposal harder to reject; several commissioners urged coordinating with existing community land‑trust and anti‑displacement efforts.
After discussion Commissioner Ortiz moved to approve the recommendation and Vice Chair Arnold seconded. The commission voted in favor and the motion passed.
The commission’s recommendation asks Council to explore city land‑acquisition funds and other sources; staff and speakers named Project Connect bond funds and previous affordable‑housing bond allocations as potential sources. The commission did not specify an acquisition budget in its motion.
The recommendation will be transmitted to City Council for consideration; commissioners said they expect advocacy groups to continue outreach to other boards and council offices prior to any council decision.
