[Poor People] Mayor Turner Tells Housing Authority to Find a Spot Other Than the Galleria Area

How Donald Trump of him. I wonder what the "other concerns" were.

[rquoter]Mayor asks Housing Authority to seek alternative to mixed-income project near Tanglewood, Galleria

Responding to fierce neighborhood and political pushback, Mayor Sylvester Turner said Monday night that the Houston Housing Authority's plan to build a mixed-income complex in a neighborhood between Tanglewood and the Galleria would not be brought for consideration by City Council.

The proposed project at 2640 Fountain View by the housing authority would be its first project in a so-called high opportunity neighborhood, which means it has access to highly rated schools, transit option and a plethora of amenities. In a statement released Monday night, Turner cited costs and "other concerns" and asked the authority to proposed another site in District G.

The project has been opposed by many nearby residents.

To receive federal funding through the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program, the authority requested a resolution of no objection from City Council. Without this credit, the housing authority would have to pay $14 million more than planned.

The project was criticized by the neighborhood and its leaders for its pricetag for 233 units that would serve a mix of incomes.

In his statement, Turner noted that the price per unit was approximately $240,000, which included a $6 million developer's fee to the authority.

"After careful review of the costs and other concerns, I am asking HHA to look for an alternative location for this project that is still in City Council District G in what we refer to as a high-opportunity area with access to good public services, quality schools, and thriving businesses," Turner said in a statement. "... I look forward to working with HHA to accomplish the important mission of providing for fair housing and quality affordable homes in safe neighborhoods near great schools throughout all of Houston."[/rquoter]

 

Well, first off - residents in Houston are "Southern" by default due to their residence in the "South". Second, there are more neighborhoods and residential areas than Tanglewood - which most definitely is conservative. Also keep in mind that there are many businesses in the Galleria area which rely on tourism from across the US and the Americas.