A city program meant to ensure affordable housing is built into new developments is facing criticism for its potential to displace more than 200 residents already living in affordable units in a West Austin complex. Now, they’re asking the city council to reconsider the proposal from the property owner.
Density Build 90, also known as DB90, was created in February 2024 with the intention of creating different levels of affordable housing in places where it’s needed, including along commercial and transit corridors. The program allows developers to build taller and denser apartment complexes as long as a percentage of the apartments are offered at an affordable rate. But housing advocates argue the program has gaps that can actually further displace residents and destroy existing affordable housing, including what exists at Acacia Cliffs.
There, the property owner is proposing a project that would replace all 290 units with up to 700, but, as of now, there is no guarantee that all current residents would have income-restricted housing available to them at the redeveloped complex. The city council is set to vote on the zoning case on Thursday…