An affordable housing project in Houston’s Independence Heights neighborhood has been temporarily paused, raising significant concerns among community members and local officials.
The Houston Housing Authority (HHA) had proposed terminating its memorandum of understanding with Columbia Independence Heights LLC, the developer behind the Independence Heights II project, and seeking a new developer. This proposal was temporarily tabled during a recent board meeting.
Council Member Mario Castillo, representing District H, expressed his deep concern over the potential changes to the project.
“The Independence Heights community has fought for years to bring the Independence Heights II affordable housing project to fruition,” Castillo wrote to HHA’s Board of Commissioners. He emphasized the importance of the project in ensuring that long-time residents can continue to live in their community amidst rapid gentrification.
Castillo highlighted several areas in the letter. These include the potential loss of tax credit eligibility if the project is delayed, the investment already made by Columbia Residential in predevelopment and community engagement, and the rationale behind the proposed change in developers.
Castillo pointed out inconsistencies in the justifications for terminating Columbia Residential’s involvement, such as concerns over a rat infestation that were not substantiated by health department inspections.
The letter was co-signed by several other council members, including Vice Mayor Pro-Tem Amy Peck and Council Member Tiffany Thomas, Chair of the Housing and Affordability Committee.
KPRC 2 reached out to HHA and Columbia Residential for comment but haven’t yet heard back.
