South Belt sky on fire
South Belt residents were treated to a majestic scene Monday, Jan. 25, when a fiery sunset
blanketed the horizon. The above photograph was taken from the parking lot of the San
Jacinto College South campus by art department faculty member Christina Potts.
Third low-income complex proposed
A third developer has now applied to the state for tax credits to assist in building a low-income apartment complex in the South Belt area.
To be located in the northwest quadrant of Scarsdale and Interstate 45, Artisan Valley would be composed of 152 units, 100 percent of which would be for tenants with approximate incomes of less than or equal to 60 percent of the area’s median income.
Of the total units, eight would house tenants who make less than 30 percent of the area’s income. For a family of one, this is an approximate income level of $13,400. For a family of two, this equals $15,300. For a family of three, this income level is $17,250, and the approximate income level for a family of four is $19,150.
Sixty-eight of the units will house tenants who earn less than 50 percent of the area’s median income. For a family of one, this is an approximate income level of $22,350. For a family of two, this equals $25,500. For a family of three, this income level is $28,700, and the approximate income level for a family of four is $31,900.
The remaining 76 units will house tenants who make less than 60 percent of the area’s median income. For a family of one, this is an approximate income level of $26,820. For a family of two, this equals $30,600. For a family of three, this income level is $34,440, and the approximate income level for a family of four is $38,280.
One-bedroom units will range in price from $281 to $640. Two-bedroom units will range in price from $323 to $754. Three-bedroom units will range in price from $360 to $858, and four-bedroom units will range in price from $389 to $944.
While the other two developers who plan to build in the area (Dixie Gardens and Tarrington Court) have come forward saying their complexes would cater exclusively to seniors, Franklin Development, the company responsible for developing Artisan Valley, said its complex would be designed to accommodate families.
This is troublesome to many in the community, as it would place an added strain on local schools.
“Again, I do recognize the housing need, and I will serve any child that moves into our district,” said Pasadena Independent School District Superintendent Kirk Lewis. “I’m just growing weary that it seems an inordinate number of these are being built in our district. As our percentage of students from poverty grows, it makes our teachers’ work much more difficult.”
Lewis’ concern is not unfounded. There are currently already eight government-subsidized apartment complexes between Almeda Mall and Dixie Farm Road.
In addition to the added strain placed on schools, low-income apartment complexes also typically have far more emergency calls than their counterparts.
In 2007, the low-income Highland Meadow Village apartment complex had five times more calls for police and ambulance service than local single-family residences, according to Chris Clark, manager of the Clear Brook City Municipal Utility District.
State law mandates that public hearings be held to receive community input on both of the proposed developments.
Information regarding the dates, times and locations of these hearings must be made available at least 30 days in advance.
If awarded state incentives, Artisan Valley would be ready for occupancy by approximately December 2011.
Two robbery suspects sought
The Harris County Precinct 2 Constable’s office is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying two suspects wanted for robbing a game room in the 12400 block of Scarsdale Sunday, Jan. 31.
The suspects entered the game room at roughly 8:15 a.m. when one of two men used a sledge hammer to smash through the building’s door. The second man brandished a hand gun and demanded money from the facility’s lone employee. The employee cooperated and gave the man roughly $2,500 in cash. The two men then quickly fled the scene. None of the game room’s four patrons were threatened.
The suspects are described as being Hispanic and were wearing masks. One of the suspects is said to be in his early 20s, while the other is described as being in his 40s. Both men are described as being thin and standing approximately 5 feet 3 inches tall.
Anyone with information on this case is urged to call 713-477-2766.
E-mail mynews@southbeltleader.com with news items of interest.