Travis County Commissioners Court
Tuesday, August 17, 2010,
Item 3
Item number 3 is consider and take appropriate action on the following related to the environmental review for the gilbert lane land acquisition for affordable housing development project funded by community development block grant funds through the u.s. Department of housing and urban development. A, receive comments provided during the public comment period; b, certify the results of the environmental review; and c, authorize submission to the united states department of housing and urban development, san antonio field office region 6.
>> good morning. Travis county health and human services. On july 27th, commissioners court reviewed and approved the environmental review -- or the environment will assessment for the gilbert lane affordable housing project. This is for cdbg funds to be used to assist habitat for humanity so they can require lots for affordable housing. We held a 18-day public comment period. We posted postings on the website, on the travis county t.v., at the seven community centers, and we also provided email and mail notices to taxing jurisdictions as well as surrounding neighborhood associations. And so we received one comment during that period. And the comment just related to being opposed to using federal or local funds to support housing. So that's the only comment we received. And our response to that was that cbdg is created to address affordable housing needs, improvements and repairs. That's the intent of the -- of the funding. So while we can understand that people feel like that may not be a good use of funds, it's exactly what the funds are used for and how habitat for humanity can go in and develop this affordable housing because without these funds they wouldn't be able to. We are also requesting the court certify the results of the environmental review. There was no significant impact to the human environment. So as such for the court to be able to do that, we're asking the judge be authorized as a certifying official to sign the results of the review as well as a form that we have to give to h.u.d. So that they can have a 15-day comment period and it will close on september 2nd and then we should expect release of funds september 3rd so we can start moving forward with closing on the property.
>> after the release of the funds, i guess and the recipients of it, habitat for humanity, when could we expect to gear up and get things going after this -- the release of the fund from h.u.d. So start the process? When would -- i'm just trying to get time lanes in place to make sure that what we're doing here i have some type of schedule on what takes place when. And i really need to know that, just this particular project is within precinct 1 and it is addressing affordable housing. And, of course, i need to be on top of it. So i want to make sure that i have all the ingredients necessary to monitor and follow this project as closely as possible. So that's what i'm kind of getting after here.
>> sherry fleming, executive manager for health and human services. If it meets with your approval, commissioner davis, what we would like to do -- habitat has a process, and what we would like to do is maybe come back to you with a schedule once the project closes. Because that closing date sort of impacts sort of everything else that will happen. And while we are -- we've got our fingers and toes crossed that closing date will be sometime in september, sometimes those things happen or don't happen based on process. So if it meets with your approval, if staff could come back to you once the project has closed and in conjunction with habitat talk about their time frame and how they outreach and acquire families to take advantage of the lots and the subsequent homes that will be available.
>> okay. I have no problem with that if anybody has discussion, but i would like to move approval.
>> any other comments or questions? Commissioner davis moves approval.
>> second.
>> discussion on the motion? All in favor? That passes by unanimous vote.
>> thank you.
>> thank you.
>> miss moffett. This requests two piece of information for media.
>> okay.
>> later today will be fine. Thanks. That's not a big bonus for you, but i know you are probably deserving.
>> thank you all.
The Closed Caption log for this Commissioners Court agenda item is provided by Travis County Internet Services. Since this file is derived from the Closed Captions created during live cablecasts, there are occasional spelling and grammatical errors. This Closed Caption log is not an official record the Commissioners Court Meeting and cannot be relied on for official purposes. For official records please contact the County Clerk at (512) 854-4722.
Last Modified:
Tuesday, August 17, 2010, 2010 2:30 PM
