The Austin City Council voted to apply for multi-family housing units on Oak Springs Drive last Thursday.

The application had seven votes in favor, with only Council Member Don Zimmerman voting against and Council Members Delia Garza and Ann Kitchen absent. The applica- tion will now go to the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs.

Zimmerman was the voice of dissent in the discussion of the development. He pressed Betsy Spencer, director of the Neighborhood Housing and Community Development. He asked about the apartments’ square footage, the cost, and whether they will be new.

In the end the council outvoted Zimmerman, with Council Member Ellen Troxclair deliv- ering closing statements. She responded to Zimmerman but pressed forward.

“If we do affordable housing it’s really important that we do it in smart places. I am con- cerned about the cost but in this case it seemed like a really smart location,” Troxclair said.

The city plans to work with Austin Travis County Integral Care for the development. David Evans, CEO of the organization, argued the merits to the Council in an open fo- rum.

“Permanent supported housing is a critical component to solving homelessness. This is an area that has enjoyed the support of the surrounding citizens, and new construction is long past due on that location,” he said.

Austin Travis County Integral Care has worked with the city in the past for care services. The organization provides many programs for citizens of all ages, including what are called “integrated care” clinics. The clinics combine physical health services with mental health services. These create convenient one-stop locations for citizens across Austin.

Council Member Sabino Renteria discussed the utility of new housing in the Oak Springs Drive location. His previous familiarity with the area helped him know the condi- tions are “in pretty bad shape.” Although in this type of location, the proposed area is just blocks from Oak Springs Elementary School and the Willie Mae Kirk Branch Library.

Council Member Ora Houston took delight in the development, moving to adopt the project “with glee.” She cited the city’s past success partnering with Evans and his com- pany, as well as citizens in the area supporting the development.

“Everybody is welcoming the new development and the services. We welcome them into the neighborhood,” Houston said.

Zimmerman’s concerns about the development’s financial needs led him to continue his questioning.

“When I do the math, I come up with nearly $400,000 per unit,” he said.

Spencer immediately responded.

“The number is misleading because this project, in addition to 50 efficiency units, has common space, an integrated healthcare clinic, and a supported employment space,” Spencer said.

Despite the expense, the rest of the City Council voted to move forward with the request. If the Texas Department of Housing approves, the development will be officially titled Housing First Oak Springs Apartments at 3000 Oak Springs Drive.