BRENHAM CITY COUNCIL APPROVES RESOLUTION SUPPORTING TAX-CREDITED SUBDIVISION ON PECAN STREET
(courtesy City of Brenham)
A new tax-credited subdivision is taking steps forward to build in Brenham after action Thursday by the Brenham City Council.
Councilmembers unanimously approved a resolution providing full support for Sandy Point Housing, Ltd.’s submission of an application to the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. The application requests competitive 9 percent housing tax credits through the state to support the development, which will consist of 27 single-family homes located on 9 acres on Pecan Street for low to moderate income tenants. The city’s resolution will also grant a reduction of $250 total towards water/sewer tap fees.
Emanuel Glockzin, Jr., developer for Sandy Point Housing, said he aims for these homes to provide a cost-effective housing option for Brenham residents.
(courtesy City of Brenham)
One resident expressed concern about what a subdivision of rental-only homes would do to the appraisals of the existing homes on Pecan Street, adding that she and other neighbors were unaware of the plans for this development. The lack of contact was also a concern of City Manager James Fisher, but he did say that he visited with some of the communities that the developer has built in and received very positive feedback. He also said that other developers who are not seeking tax credits would not need to take these steps.
In addition to the monthly rental tag of about $1,000, Glockzin said the homes will value at $350,000 apiece, and estimated the development would value at $10 million. The homes, which will be 85-90 percent brick, will sit on 2,000-2,200 square feet, hold four to five bedrooms, and have fenced yards. He said they will have “high-efficiency” heating and air conditioning units, refrigerators, stoves and hot water heaters, and will also have double-car garages.
(courtesy City of Brenham)
Glockzin pointed to a stretch of 16 homes built by Sandy Point Housing in 2007, located in College Station on Santour Court off of Victoria Avenue, as an example for how the homes on Pecan Street would look. Addressing concerns about turnover in the units, he said half of the tenants at the College Station homes have lived there since they opened.
Glockzin said the property will be on the tax roll, and the developer will pay taxes, insurance, and utilities; tenants will only be responsible for electricity. The income cap for households will be $71,000. An onsite manager will live in one of the units.
Fisher recommended that the city hold off on granting a letter of support until it moves forward with a residential needs assessment started in 2019 to “get a good picture” of what the city needs. Councilmember Keith Herring said the city can still do the study, but that there is “a definite need” for affordable housing in Brenham. Councilmember Clint Kolby agreed, saying these homes would be great for young families.
The council approved the resolution on the condition that the developer reach out to neighboring property owners and provide contact information to them.