B-01 (Citizen Comment Opposed).pdf — original pdf

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From: To: Subject: Date: Eddie McKenna Rivera, Andrew Speaker Signup Friday, April 9, 2021 2:29:58 PM *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Good afternoon Mr. Rivera, Thank you for the opportunity to offer comment and/or speak at the hearing. 1. Eddie McKenna 2. Item Number B1, NPA-2021-0021.01.SH 3. I am against the proposed rezoning, and I request that the following points be taken into consideration: East Riverside, East Oltorf, and Southeast Austin have high existing multifamily density. Historically this included some of the most affordable housing options in the Austin urban core. Local and absentee ownership groups have since raised rents, or replaced existing complexes with higher-cost "multifamily" housing. Addressing public and/or social housing needs by taking over and fixing up existing apartment complexes, old hotels and motels is already part of the city's plan, which I support, including in this neighborhood. Subsidizing new construction of affordable multifamily housing may be a smarter approach for neighborhoods that have fewer existing apartment complexes. Counter-proposal: use this site to provide equally valuable civic services. The existing site and structures, including open fields, gymnasium, commercial kitchen and more have served and could again serve as a food pantry, emergency and homeless shelter, clothing assistance source, indoor recreation facility, polling place and much more. Services could still be overtly targeted to benefit low-income, high-needs and homeless Austinites, most likely at a lower public cost and with enthusiastic support from neighbors. Distribute low-income housing equitably across Austin: all the city's studies and advocacy indicate this effort should focus mainly on areas west of IH-35, rather than east. This is true with respect to questions of race and ethnicity, average household income, even urban planning and urban density itself. Before a decision can be reached on this proposed change in zoning, I respectfully request more info on a more complete map of proposed subsidized housing construction, all across town, illustrating this commitment to equity in action 4. Mailing address 1703 Mariposa Dr. Austin 78741 5. Phone 215-805-0190