Hector Perez

By Hector Perez

 

Citizens criticized Austin’s current affordable housing programs at a public hearing held by the city’s Community Development Commission.

 

This was the fourth in a series of hearings seeking input for the city’s community needs assessment. The results of the assessment will provide information for the 2014-2019 consolidated plan and the 2014-2015 action plan, both of which are required for the city to receive entitlement funds from the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development. A draft of both plans will be presented at a hearing held by the Community Development Commission on June 10, and at another hearing held by the Austin City Council on June 26.

 

Jonathan Tomko, senior research analyst for the city’s Neighborhood Housing and Community Development department, led a presentation detailing the purpose of the plans, allocation of past federal grants, and highlighting the importance of the public’s input on both plans.

 

After the presentation citizens received the opportunity to voice concerns regarding issues they thought the assessment should take into account. The majority of speakers discussed the need for a better affordable housing system for disabled citizens.

 

“As an organization we don’t believe in permanent supportive housing,” said Cathy Cranston, member of the Personal Attendant Coalition of Texas. “We don’t mind the services being there, but we don’t want to tie the services to the housing.”

 

Other citizens also voiced their displeasure with the current system, mentioning issues with housing opportunities that separate them from the rest of the community and take Section 8 vouchers with less and less frequency.

 

“There’s really not much supply of affordable and accessible housing,” said David Witty, a disabled man in attendance. “If it’s integrated great, but not if you can’t afford it and not if it’s not available.”

 

Business discussed after the public hearing included the unanimous approval of Commissioner Elizabeth Mueller to serve on the Housing Bond Review Committee. The commission’s 2013 annual review and 2014 work plan were also approved.

 

The next public hearing for the plans will be held by the Mayor’s Committee for Persons with Disabilities on April 14.