In spite of this summer’s exceedingly wet conditions, Larry Dale reported only four work days lost on the construction of the Chauncey Apartments so far.

Thursday, August 17, 2000

In spite of this summer’s exceedingly wet conditions, Larry Dale reported only four work days lost on the construction of the Chauncey Apartments so far.

The 81-unit apartment complex, modeled after the Austin Housing and Redevelopment Authority’s Courtyard Apartments, is scheduled to be finished in June 2001.

However, project supervisor Larry Dale of CBS Construction told the HRA board that he expects the project to finish well ahead of schedule, maybe as early as March.

Sherrie Detlof, who will oversee the rental of the apartments for the HRA, said the agency would start signing the rental agreements for the two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments in September. There already is a waiting list of more than 200 for the apartments. She has budgeted for only one month of less than full occupancy.

"We won’t have any problems renting the apartments, and the construction of this building could put nearly as many homes on the market," HRA director Kermit Mahan said. "Those are homes that young working families can buy."

Providing affordable housing for young working families also is the goal, Mahan said, of the Murphy’s Creek Development that is fast becoming a reality for the land now known as the Lone Oak Addition, a city-owned property that is zoned for industrial use but which has housed only corn or hay for the past two years since the infrastructure was put into the site.

Mahan said once the council approved the Austin Planning Commission’s comprehensive plan, which addresses the rezoning of Lone Oak, the actual rezoning process could begin. Mahan already has secured more than $2 million from the Hormel Foundation for the project, in most part because of the advocacy of the Apex Austin housing committee. The HRA director has made other grant applications for the 88-unit development, and is now awaiting answers.

As proposed, the development will include 56 market-rate townhomes and 22 townhomes that will be tied to lower income levels.

In other business Wednesday, the HRA board:

n Passed a resolution approving the updated Public Housing Occupation Policy, one provision that gives the HRA the right to immediately evict a tenant convicted of drug dealing.

n Heard that several state agencies may contribute to Austin’s flood buyout program, in addition to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. No agency has guaranteed funds, however, although the city has promised $1 million if the Hormel Foundation comes through with a $1 million grant.