AUSTIN, TX - Plans for new development in east Austin have sent prices for small bungalow style homes in the Saltillo neighborhood up. "That's not what people who have moved to east Austin the last 20 years and those who have lived there for generations want to see happen to our neighborhood," said resident, Lori Renteria. Renteria has lived in Saltillo for more than 30 years. Over the past five years, she's seen neighbors get pushed out.
"The reason our neighborhood is such a hot market is because we are diverse. People love our culture and the flavor and the smells of our neighborhood, but if we all get pushed out we're going to be Anywhere, USA," said Renteria. Five years ago Renteria says she paid about $600 in taxes. In 2007, she says her taxes were over $4,000. Some of her neighbors can't afford the change. "They have to sell out. All of the renters in our area, the Plaza Saltillo area besides the new renters that are paying high dollar right now, are gone. We have lost a lot of our friends because they cannot afford to live there," said Saltillo resident and Chair of the Austin Community Development Corporation, Sabino Renteria.
The problem could get worse when the city's new rail line system goes through. One of the line's eight hub stations is expected to cross into the heart of Plaza Saltillo. On Thursday, nearly a dozen residents went before City Council asking for help to maintain affordable living. "We are only asking for 25 percent of all housing to be targeted at the people that live there now," said Saltillo resident and member of the Board of Housing Works, Johnny Limon. "It should be targeted to a much lower income class so that residents in my area who are involuntarily getting pushed out by these new comers, have some opportunity to stay in the neighborhood that their families have lived in for generations," said Lori Renteria.
On Thursday, Council Members approved a first reading of the affordable housing clause. "If we can't afford it then we can't afford it, but there's no reason for us not to try and that's what we're doing tonight," said Council member, Mike Martinez. The council still needs to approve a second and third reading of the proposal, but Saltillo residents left the meeting with smiles on their faces. Construction for the rail line is expected to begin later this year.
Source: Kvue.com