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Site Analysis for Affordable Housing in Austin, TX
Alek Zayas-Dorchak
GoalTo use GIS to find a suitable location or
locations for affordable rental units in the central city.
These units will primarily be for people who work downtown, but cannot afford to live there.
Capital StudiosFirst low-rent
downtown project in 45 years
$400-$650 per monthBuilt on former
commercial-zoned parking lot near State Capitol Building
135 units, some reserved for homeless and musicians
Why This Project MattersAustin is lacking in
housing units for residents who make $15/hour, or less than $30,000/year.
Bringing people back to the urban core, who are most likely to use public transit
There should be more balance
AustinMetro Pop: 1.9 million+4,500 people/month% of renters earning
less than $30,000: 27%
From 2000 to 2010, median income increased only slightly, but rental prices increased 49%.
How Will My Analysis Help?Providing more housing, especially for the
working class and transitional homeless.Adding multifamily housing units will serve
as urban infill, which increases walkability. Could lead to the density needed for light
rail, etc.Greater diversity of income in the
neighborhood.Average family spends 19% of their income
on private transportation. Situating people closer to the bus lines will help them save money.
Neighborhoods
Criteria for Suitability
Amenity Acceptable Distance
Food StoreBus/MetroRail StopPublic SchoolPost OfficeParkHealth CenterLibrary
1/8 mile¼ mile¼ mile¼ mile ¼ mile½ mile½ mile
Zoned for Multifamily HousingDevelopable Land
Final Sites
Most Suitable Sites
Potential student housing
Might be future planetarium………
Good sites for affordable units
Other Possible Sites4th & Trinity Street View
This site is a short walk from the Austin Resource Center for the Homeless (ARCH) and Caritas. Centrally located, not too far from Capital Studios. Could be a good location for a mix of low- and very low-income residents.
Other Possible SitesEast 2nd Street View
Located close to Downtown, along a street that leads directly into the core. Roughly 25,000 sq. ft.
AnalysisBuild up to 3 downtown complexes, for a mix
of students, low-income and very low-incomePut retail space on first floor of complexes Several larger units on the Eastside Make sidewalks more pedestrian friendlyUse larger, remaining areas for construction
of parking garages, to offset the loss of spaces
Plan is unlikely to be accepted, but could be a step in the right direction
ConclusionAs an assignment…not as successful as I
would have likedTechnical issuesAs an analysis…very informative
Linksftp://ftp.ci.austin.tx.us/GIS-Data/Regional/coa
_gis.htmlhttp://www.austintexas.gov/page/demographi
c-datahttp://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/SDL/sdldownload.h
tml
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