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Council backs Sunset Apartments LIHTC application and adopts parks and trails master plan
Summary
Council approved a resolution of no objection for Sunset Apartments' 4% low‑income housing tax‑credit application after developer representatives and a resident discussed central air and ADA accessibility; it also adopted a parks and trails master plan identifying Finley Park as a priority for improvements constrained by floodway issues.
The council approved a resolution supporting the Sunset Apartments redevelopment team’s application to the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs for 4% low‑income housing tax credits and adopted the city’s parks and trails master plan.
During the public hearing, Deborah Reyes (tuning in via Zoom for the development team) and resident Mary Bruce discussed accessibility and unit features. Mary Bruce asked whether redeveloped units would include central air and accommodations for disabled residents; the project representative and staff responded that the redevelopment would include central air and that approximately 5% of the planned 150 units (about seven or eight units) would be adapted for ADA accessibility and dispersed across the project buildings, with measures such as wider doorways, roll‑in showers, modified countertops, and other modifications.
Separately, staff and consultant Rick Lisner of Norris Design presented the parks and trails master plan, the result of a multi‑year public‑engagement process. The plan identifies system‑wide goals and a 10–15 year action program to address deficiencies across parks. Staff noted Finley Park (in the south side area) needs particular attention but is partially in a floodway, which complicates grant eligibility; recommended improvements include benches, shade structures, landscaping, signage, lighting for security, and parking enhancements where feasible.
Why it matters: The LIHTC application and master‑plan adoption have direct implications for affordable housing supply and neighborhood park equity. Resident questions centered on livability and accessibility for low‑income and disabled residents, while the parks plan ties improvements to funding and floodplain constraints.
Next steps: Staff and the developer will proceed with the TDHCA LIHTC application process; parks staff will pursue funding options and bring specific improvement projects and budget requests back to council and the parks board.
