B-06 (C14-2021-0119 - McHeath 1.48 - Interested Parties - Late Backup).pdf — original pdf

Backup

From: To: Subject: Date: Ruth Lauer Graham, Mark; Kitchen, Ann; Craig, Ken C14-2021-0119 911/915 Dittmar Tuesday, September 7, 2021 12:07:54 PM *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Dear Mr. Graham, I am writing to rebut the claims made in the staff recommendations on the above case. I recognize the need for more affordable housing in Austin and would welcome a project like this along a transit corridor or within the urban core. However, the property is over ½ mile from the nearest transit corridor and not close to any schools, shops, services or other amenities. The owner proposes to build 30 up to 4 story units on 1.48 acres. In discussions with the neighborhood, he said these are likely to be 2 and 3 bedroom row-house style condominiums in two buildings. He requests a zoning change from what was SF-2 and DR (which was used as SF-2). The proposed zoning change does not satisfy the public need for affordable housing. The owner is seeking density that is incompatible with neighbors so that he can maximize the return on his investment. A change in zoning will provide special privilege to the owner while negatively impacting existing neighbors. The project does not add to housing choice. There are plenty of condos and smaller homes already in this area. There are currently over 200 condo style homes going in further west on Dittmar. And there is a condo development across the street. The owner representative stated that NO affordable units are planned. Please explain how this adds to housing choice. The zoning is incompatible with surrounding areas, which are generally SF and MH. None of the zoning cases cited allow such an extreme change. The adjacent SF-4 zoning is on small lots. The proposed MF zoning will bring 3 times that density to the area. Cramming a four story, 2 building condo development (along with an estimated 60 vehicles) in the middle of the neighborhood just doesn’t make sense. Again, it would if it were near an Activity Corridor with schools, amenities and public transport nearby. This is not the case. The wonderful Dittmar Rec Center and pool are about it. I would love to see Austin develop and stick to plans like Imagine Austin. Instead I see no proactive planning, just responding positively to anything a developer requests while penalizing existing residents. I would also like the Case Manager and builder to be aware that there are already problems with pluvial flooding of the adjacent properties on Latteridge. Thank you, Ruth Lauer Sent from Mail for Windows CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source.