Developer Wants To Create Affordable Rental Homes

Staff Writer

Property developer Karen Houston sees a need for affordable rental housing in West Tawakoni.

"Not low-income housing, but nice and affordable housing," Houston said.

She stressed that point to the West Tawakoni City Council Tuesday night in explaining plans she has for the southeast corner lot at Rabbit Cove Road and Mays Lane.

The property has had unused cabins on it for many years. Houston said she wants to go through the city’s planned development process to create a set of one- or two-bedroom patio homes.

"I’ve had a lot of calls from people trying to find one-bedroom or efficiency size rentals…West Tawakoni needs more one-bedrooms," Houston said.

The city will publish a public hearing notice because of a necessary zoning change from residential to planned development.

Houston said she plans to give the units a "cute, Western effect" with Austin Stone siding.

"I like the look," council member Candy Schulz said as she studied the photo Houston had provided of a model home with Austin Stone siding.

"I think it would be a nice asset to that part of town," council member Pete Yoho added.

Council member Carol Welch suggested Houston introduce herself to those in the surrounding neighborhood and discuss the development with them.

Also Tuesday, city administrator Cloy Richards said a culvert had been installed as the city continues work in the Lancaster Park area. That, he said, is being done with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds received for flood damages in May 2007.

Other monthly departmental report highlights included the following:

— An average of 60-75 fishermen and fisherwomen were counted in the city park in March. Overall, an average of 250 people used the park. New baby swings were installed and a new sign for Carter Cemetery was erected.

— The police department reported 180 citations in March, including 46 for speeding and 36 for defective equipment. There were 19 arrests in March, three accidents and eight offense reports.

— Code enforcement reported 65 violations, including 19 for high grass and 16 animal complaints. No citations were issued. Five permits were taken out in March and $3,565 in permit fees was received.

— The municipal court reported 50 counts of failure to appear in court with 12 warrants issued. Gross fines totaled $12,812.10, monthly court cost was $5,911 and net fines were $6,895.10.

— The water department reported 993 active water customers for March, including 15 new customers.