Kirk Preston Watson - Mayor of Austin, Texas | Twitter
Kirk Preston Watson - Mayor of Austin, Texas | Twitter
The City of Austin Housing Department has issued a notice regarding a proposed development in the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain. This project, known as Bailey at Stassney, involves the construction of a 104-unit supportive multifamily housing development on approximately 2.38 acres at 400 West Stassney Lane, Austin, Texas.
The planned development includes a five-story building and an associated parking lot. The residential units are designated for households earning 30%, 50%, and 60% or less of the Area Median Income (AMI). Additionally, 26 units will be reserved as permanent supportive housing for those at risk of homelessness.
According to the evaluation conducted under Executive Order 11988 and amended by Executive Order 13690, approximately 1.2 acres of the property lie within the FFRMS floodplain, determined using the 0.2 percent flood approach (0.2 PFA). Specifically, about 0.04 acres fall within the City of Austin Fully Developed 100-year floodplain. Importantly, no construction will occur within FEMA's defined 100-year floodplain, nor will any wetlands be impacted.
The Housing Department considered alternatives to developing in this floodplain but concluded that there is no practicable alternative to proceeding with construction as planned. The department has also outlined measures to minimize adverse impacts while preserving natural functions and values of the existing floodplain.
The public notice serves three main purposes: it provides an opportunity for individuals concerned about floodplains to express their views; it acts as an educational tool about environmental risks; and it ensures fairness by informing those who might be affected by federal involvement in such areas.
Comments from the public must be submitted to the Housing Department by November 13, 2024. Submissions can be sent via U.S. mail or email to Dawn Perkins at Dawn.Perkins@austintexas.gov.
A detailed project description is available for review from Monday through Friday during business hours at the City of Austin Housing Department's office located at The Streets-Jones Building on East 11th Street.
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