San Antonio Launches Affordable Housing and Rapid Transit Initiatives for Community Growth

San Antonio Takes Steps Toward Affordable Housing and Rapid Transit

San Antonio is embarking on an exciting journey toward making the city more accessible and affordable for its residents. With plans to enhance public transportation along with affordable housing initiatives, the city is clearly on a mission to improve the lives of many. So, what’s happening? Let’s dive in!

The Big Plan

As the VIA Metropolitan Transit team continues its work on the Advanced Rapid Transit plan, the city is strategically gearing up to purchase vacant lots along the proposed north-south transit route. This is all part of a clever strategy to create a vibrant, connected community. To financially support these efforts, the city is utilizing a substantial $7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This funding will be instrumental in breaking down barriers to affordable housing development.

Where Will the Money Go?

Out of that $7 million, about $6.5 million is expected to fund the acquisition and entitlement of various parcels of land. Once the city secures these properties, they will seek development partners to bring the plan to life. Additionally, a chunk of the grant will be allocated for hiring consultants. These experts will help create engagement plans to involve community members and conduct economic analyses of different development scenarios.

San Antonio’s Contribution

But that’s not all! San Antonio plans to chip in with up to $3.5 million from its housing bond funds, depending on how much it receives from the grant. The objective? Focus on land acquisition in areas with a high need for affordable housing, especially near essential services.

Identifying Key Areas

In their application, city officials pointed out that the north end of the transit line is a prime area for new development. Even though it currently lacks affordable options, it has a notable number of residents with disabilities who would benefit greatly from easy access to public transit. By strategically acquiring land along the Green Line, the city is not only addressing a pressing need but also opening doors for residents to access essential health and social services more easily.

A Bright Timeline Ahead

The timeline set out by the city is quite ambitious. Land acquisition is slated to begin in 2025, with development partner solicitation following in 2026. By 2027, they aim to issue awards, with construction of new developments expected to wrap up around 2028 or 2029

When it’s all said and done, the project aims to produce around 240 apartment units and between five to ten single-family homes, providing much-needed options for lower-income families. The goal is clear: to keep rents deeply affordable, specifically targeting rents at 60% or below the area median income.

Updating Development Codes

In parallel with these housing efforts, a task force is evaluating the city’s Unified Development Code to refresh guidelines around transit-oriented development. By simplifying regulations for projects within a quarter-mile of transit stations, the city hopes to streamline the development process and encourage growth where it’s needed the most.

Conclusion

San Antonio is stepping up to ensure that the evolving landscape of rapid transit goes hand in hand with affordable living. By investing smartly in land acquisition and easing development processes, the city aims to create a more inclusive environment for all its residents. With a thoughtful approach and a hopeful timeline ahead, the future is looking brighter for San Antonio!