Would Livable Places Initiative Really Make Housing More Affordable?
Would Livable Places Initiative Really Make Housing More Affordable?
Source: Reduce Flooding Blog - Bob Rehak
Date: 06/18/2023 2:16pm
Article Summary:
Houston's Livable Places Initiative Raises Questions about Affordability and Flooding Impact, and the Need for a Broader Approach to City Planning
The Livable Places Initiative of the Houston Planning Commission has not conducted a flood study to show the potential flood impact of its recommendations, despite the initiative's goal to make housing more affordable. The ordinance changes of the initiative could allow for more compact development, small-scale, multi-unit housing, less land, fewer parking spots and narrower driveways, which may reduce redevelopment costs and exert downward pressure on housing prices, but it is uncertain how much of the savings would go to buyers. Higher density can help people share the cost of infrastructure but could exceed the storm drains' capacity, leading to increased drainage fees. The Planning Department may need to take a broader look at what attracts people and build it into its Livable Places Initiative.
Read article here »
Date: 06/18/2023 2:16pm
Article Summary:
Houston's Livable Places Initiative Raises Questions about Affordability and Flooding Impact, and the Need for a Broader Approach to City Planning
The Livable Places Initiative of the Houston Planning Commission has not conducted a flood study to show the potential flood impact of its recommendations, despite the initiative's goal to make housing more affordable. The ordinance changes of the initiative could allow for more compact development, small-scale, multi-unit housing, less land, fewer parking spots and narrower driveways, which may reduce redevelopment costs and exert downward pressure on housing prices, but it is uncertain how much of the savings would go to buyers. Higher density can help people share the cost of infrastructure but could exceed the storm drains' capacity, leading to increased drainage fees. The Planning Department may need to take a broader look at what attracts people and build it into its Livable Places Initiative.
Read article here »