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2640 FOUNTAIN VIEW APARTMENTS FAQ SHEET

 

Q:     What is the development timeline?

 

A:     We hope to proceed quickly to develop the new community.  The goal would be to start construction in the 4th quarter of 2016 and to begin leasing by summer 2018. 

 

Q:     Who will live here?

 

A:     The development will serve all families of all ages and various sizes who would need an affordable studio, one, or two bedroom unit.  The incomes of the families will vary but, generally individuals earning approximately $25,000 and families earning up to about $41,500 per year will represent the majority of the residents.  Although, senior citizens are welcome, the community will not have an elderly designation.  The community will be marketed and operated in a manner that will affirmatively further fair housing.

 

Q:     What will be the tenant selection process?

 

A:     Subject to Tenant Screening Criteria including income, credit history, and a criminal background check, leasing will be on a first come first serve basis. 

 

Q:     What type of security will the property offer?

 

A:     The Houston Housing Authority places a high priority on the safety of all of our Authority’s communities and their residents. We have contracted with Harris County Precinct No. 6 to provide additional security above and beyond the services provided by Houston Police Department.  That contract would be expanded to include our new community on Fountain View.  Additionally, we have found that the process by which we screen potential residents is even more rigorous and thorough than what many market rate apartment communities require. 

 

Q:     If I move into the development will my children go to Briargrove Elementary?

 

A:     Not necessarily. The property is currently zoned to Briargrove Elementary School. Mark White Elementary, scheduled to open in August 2016, will be a boundary option campus for students residing in the Briargrove attendance zone. If more students apply to Mark White Elementary than can be accepted in any grade level, a lottery drawing will be held to select the students to attend the new school.  For more information, please visit www.houstonisd.org or contact the Houston Independent School District at 713- 556-6000.

 

Q:     How many school age children will live in this new community?

 

A:     Our Authority conducted a comprehensive review of its portfolio including specifically residents living in one and two bedroom units.  Statistically, 8% of the one bedroom units owned by our Authority have a child living there with their parent.  On average, our two bedroom units have an average of 1.4 children per household.  Based on this statistical analysis of approximately 6,000 homes, our Authority anticipates approximately 85-90 new school age children would live in this community.  This equates to about seven (7) new students per grade level.  Assuming an equal number of children by grade level, we anticipate approximately:

 

  • 42 elementary school students (K-5)

  • 21 middle school students (6-8)

  • 28 high school students (9-12)

 

Q:     We have heard schools in the area are overcapacity, how will this affect my children?

 

A:     While HISD reports Briargrove and other area schools’ enrollment are currently over capacity, HISD is constructing Mark White Elementary, a new 750 capacity elementary school in the area.  According to HISD, “The new school, to be located at Old Farm Road between Buffalo Bayou and Westheimer, will provide relief to four elementary school on the west side of Houston.  The schools are Briargrove Elementary, Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary, Piney Point Elementary, and Thomas Pilgrim PK-8 Academy.  The school (Mark White Elementary), scheduled to open in August 2016, will not have an attendance zone; instead, students will apply and priority of enrollment will be given to students residing in the Briargrove, Emerson, Piney Point, and Pilgrim PK-8 attendance zones.  If more students apply than can be accepted in any grade level, a lottery drawing will be held to select students to attend the new school”.  For more information, please visit www.houstonisd.org or contact the Houston Independent School District at 713- 556-6000.

 

Q:     Is this project definitely going to move forward since you own the land or is there a chance it will not move forward?

 

A:     Our Authority is committed to providing affordable housing choices throughout our entire city.  The proposed development on Fountain View is one of several new communities planned for construction commencement in 2016-2017. 

 

Although, the Authority’s ability to proceed remains subject to a continuing process that includes public hearings, required governmental approvals and securing financing, in order to honor its obligation to affirmatively further fair housing for all citizens of the City of Houston regardless of income, the Authority is committed to using its best efforts to proceed with this development. 

 

Q:     I have been looking at your website and the existing projects that you have around town.  What project that you have previously build in the Houston area best represents the product that you are proposing at 2640 Fountain View?  I would like to go drive by and see it.

 

A:     Although, other affordable housing communities using Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) have been developed in affluent communities with relatively high land prices have been developed elsewhere in the country, this is the first time our Authority will be building on a site surrounded by other first-class market rate apartments and on a tract of land that is extraordinarily expensive.  Examples of affordable housing being incorporated into high opportunity communities can be found in Irvine and San Diego, California, Seattle, Washington and Brooklyn, New York. 

 

Our Authority and the architect for this development have been diligent toward insuring the architecture, aesthetics and amenities of the proposed development are appropriate for the site and the neighborhood in which it is located.  The mid-rise design is consistent with other market-rate apartment communities under construction or recently completed on Fountain View Drive and nearby. 

 

Although, often located in Houston’s suburbs, other communities owned by our Authority reflect our commitment to quality design and long-term ownership.  More information about these apartment homes including Uvalde Ranch, Willow Park, Mansions at Turkey Creek, and Sweetwater Point can be found on our website at http://www.housingforhouston.com/housing-programs/housing-communities.aspx

 

Listed below are some examples of affordable housing being incorporated into high opportunity communities:

 

 

Q:     What type of studies has HHA done on the feasibility of the site?

 

A:     Prior to commencing construction, our Authority is required to obtain approvals from numerous governmental entities including, but not limited to, the City of Houston, State of Texas, and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development prior to commencing construction.  To obtain these approvals, our Authority is required to secure a number of different studies including, but not limited to, a market study, an appraisal, engineering reports, traffic impact analysis and an environmental study.  These studies are supported by our staff but most often prepared by third-party consultants. 

 

All of these studies either have been completed or will be completed prior to commencing construction of this community.  The plans and specifications for the development will also be subject to review and approval of the City of Houston prior to the issuance of a building permit.  

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