HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_HOUAB_09.27.2021City of Georgetown, Texas
Housing Advisory Board
Minutes
September 27, 2021, at 3:30 p.m.
809 Martin Luther King Jr. Street
Board Members present: Wendy Cash; Charles Collins, Nikki Brennan, Linda Sloan, Regina
Watson, and Grayson Smith
Board Member(s) absent: N/A
Staff present in -person: Susan Watkins, AICP, Neighborhood & Housing Program Manager, Sofia
Nelson, Planning Director and Stephanie McNickle, Planning Specialist
The Meeting was opened by Chair Wendy Cash at 3:35 p.m.
Public Wishing to Address the Board
A. One member of the public wished to address the Board.
Chair Cash invited Richard Glasco to address the Board. Mr. Glasco stated he is currently
serving as Chairman of Georgetown Housing Admission. He serves as an advocacy role for
affordable housing. Mr. Glasco stated City Council has made workforce/housing agreements
with some apartments and thinks that is a great idea. He stated our greatest need for workforce
local family affordable housing is at or below 60%. Mr. Glasco stated the average household
income for a family of 4 is $59,340.
Mr. Glasco stated there are 10 affordable housing communities in Georgetown and would like
to see the Board find out how many units are being rented and what kind of waiting list is
available from each community.
Mr. Glasco thanked Susan Watkins, Neighborhood & Housing Program Manager for her
dedication and passion and wished her success in her new position.
Mr. Glasco stated about 75% of Georgetown residents work in another town. He stated
economically, it would be good for residents to work and live in the same town.
Legislative Regular Agenda
B. Consideration and possible action to approve the minutes from the May 17, 2021, regular
meeting of the Housing Advisory Board. - Stephanie McNickle, Planning Specialist
Motion by Board member Sloan to approve the minutes from the May 17, 2021, Housing
Advisory Board meeting. Second by Board member Brennan. Approved. (6-0)
C. Presentation and discussion on education related to innovations in housing. Susan Watkins,
Neighborhood & Housing Program Manager
Chair Cash stated Board member Sloan reached out to her regarding some interestingand
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Minutes September 27, 2021
innovative solutions to housing along with links. The solution is called Boxable and a
community in Bastrop is going to be developing. Chair Cash also stated Board member Sloan
reached out to Mayor Schroeder who thought it would be interesting the Board could
investigate.
It was stated Elon Musk has moved into one of these products while his company is being built
in the Austin area.
During this time the Board watch an information video regarding the product boxable.
Discussion regarding the zoning restrictions needed to be able to support products like this
within the city. Staff stated Land acquisition may be a challenge and rezoning property to
modular home might meet resistance from residents.
The Board was encouraged about the product and the cost of the product, but also discussed
the total cost of this product including the acquisition of land, and set-up can be priced out of
affordability.
During this time the Board watched a newsclip from KXAN regarding the product.
Chair Cash stated she wants to stay ahead of this and likes the idea of the product only being
sold to homeowners and not to investors. She stated Georgetown does not have anything like
this and the responsibility of the Housing Advisory Board is to explore and provide input
suggestions to City Council for housing opportunities.
Chair Cash stated she feels most people would like to own their own home, but it's expensive.
She stated it may be an opportunity to have a community that is well built and made of
material that will withstand with homeowners. Chair Cash stated she understands there is a
concern that if lower standard building materials is allowed it may not withstand. It may look
nice for a short time but not in 10 years or 20 years if it is not maintained.
The Board reviewed pricing for the product.
The Board discussed the possibility of visiting a community in Lago Vista to find out more
information.
D. Discussion of housing related updates. Susan Watkins, AICP, Neighborhood & Housing
Program Manager
Susan gave a power point presentation and update to the Board that will be presented during
their September 28, 2021, City Council Workshop starting at 3:00pm.
Adjournment
Motion to Adjourn. Approved (6-0). The meeting was adjourned at 4:49 p.m.
1, (1-, . 4, A Cu. /
Approved, endy Cash, Chair
Housing Advisory Board
Minutes September 27, 2021
ttest, Linda Sloan, Secretary
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