Amarillo council approves Tecovas Terrace, affordable housing project in Barrio area

Yahoo

27-02-2025

The Amarillo City Council on Tuesday approved a resolution in support of a 9% housing tax credit application for Woda Cooper Development Inc., advancing plans for Tecovas Terrace, a proposed affordable housing project on Southeast 28th Avenue between South Wilson Street and Ross Street.
The resolution allows Woda Cooper to seek tax credit funding from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA), a key step in financing the new construction project.
"This is an important opportunity to bring high-quality, affordable housing to an area that has seen little new development in recent decades," said Jason Lain, vice president of Woda Cooper Development. "With this project, we hope to provide housing stability and economic revitalization for families in Amarillo."
Tecovas Terrace is expected to include 280 units, with a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. Units will be reserved for residents earning between 30% and 60% of the area median income, making them accessible to lower-income families.
Teresa Kennedy, president of the Barrio Neighborhood Planning Organization, emphasized the significance of expanding affordable housing options in the area.
"This is something our community desperately needs," Kennedy said. "With nearly half of our families struggling with housing costs, projects like this can provide stability and a foundation for future success."
Lain added that the project could serve as a catalyst for broader community improvements.
"When we bring in a project like this, it not only provides much-needed housing, but it also encourages investment in the surrounding area," Lain said. "We've seen in other communities that new, high-quality housing developments can lead to revitalization, as nearby property owners take the opportunity to upgrade their own homes and businesses."
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In addition to backing the affordable housing project, the council addressed several other key initiatives:
Medical Center Park renaming: The council approved a resolution to rename Medical Center Park (commonly known as Medi Park) to John Ward Memorial Park, honoring Amarillo's longtime city manager who served from 1983 to 2005.
Childcare property tax exemptions: Council members considered an ordinance that would grant ad valorem property tax exemptions for qualifying childcare facilities. The measure is similar to one adopted by the City of Canyon in August 2024 and is intended to support the operation of local childcare centers. The Amarillo Area Foundation and other community leaders have raised concerns about the lack of affordable, accessible childcare in the region, arguing that it affects both families and local businesses.
Producer Owned Beef construction extension: Officials granted an extension for the construction completion deadline of Producer Owned Beef, a project expected to bolster Amarillo's economy.
Georgia Street reconstruction: The council approved plans for the reconstruction of Georgia Street from Hollywood Road to Burk Lane, addressing long-standing infrastructure needs.
During the session, Mayor Cole Stanley outlined a proposal to establish a "sunset committee" aimed at reviewing and modernizing Amarillo's building codes and standards.
'We're not empowering this committee to make changes on its own,' Stanley said. 'It's about bringing expert insight to the table so that council and staff can make informed decisions.'
The proposed citizen-led panel — referred to by some as a "codes and standards task force" — would initially include chairs from Amarillo's various boards and commissions, such as the planning and zoning board. Participation would be voluntary, with an option for select council members to join later to ensure alignment with broader city policies.
Stanley outlined a phased approach, with the first phase focusing on updates to the International Energy Conservation Code.
'We want to identify where outdated regulations create unnecessary hurdles for businesses, without compromising safety,' he said.
City officials are exploring funding options, including municipal dollars and federal grants, to bring in outside experts for technical guidance.
Council members raised concerns about the scope of the committee's authority. Councilman Don Tipps questioned whether Amarillo could deviate from state or federal energy codes, while Councilman Less Simpson emphasized the need for clear guidelines to prevent individual agendas from influencing the process.
Stanley assured the council that any recommendations would require final approval before implementation.
'The committee's role is advisory,' he said. 'It will work closely with city staff and outside experts to develop proposals that are technically sound and economically viable.' He also suggested that committee members serve one-year terms to encourage fresh perspectives.
The discussion concluded with an agreement to refine the committee's operational guidelines and targets. City officials plan to reconvene once detailed proposals are drafted, aiming to streamline regulations while reinforcing Amarillo's reputation as a business-friendly community.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo City Council OKs Barrio affordable housing project