Density concerns scuttle affordable housing in this popular Fort Worth neighborhood
A controversial apartment complex designed to bring affordable housing units to a popular neighborhood near downtown Fort Worth won’t move forward after opposition from neighbors who fear more cars would come with it.
Azalea West would have added 80 apartments to the northwest corner of Carroll Street and Azalea Avenue, across from the Montgomery Plaza Target. At least 10% of those units would be set aside for households making at or below 30% of the median household income.
The Fort Worth City Council approved a resolution in February supporting the developers’ application for a 9% state housing tax credit for that project along with eight others, but residents’ ire has been directed at the high density nature of the Azalea project, which required a zoning change the City Council rejected Tuesday to move forward.
The vote required a super majority because of the level of opposition from neighbors. Councilmen Cary Moon and Jungus Jordan opposed the zoning change, siding with residents concerned about density. Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price abstained because technical issues with her video prevented her from hearing most of the discussion.
Developers, Saigebrook Development and O-SDA Industries, and proponents of the project say the number of affordable apartments opens the door to the popular, but high-end West 7th Street area. Opponents, including the neighborhood association, say the project ignores concerns about density and traffic in the neighborhood with narrow streets.
Linwood is a small neighborhood in Fort Worth’s popular Cultural District to the west of downtown. Homes there were heavily damaged by a tornado in 2000, but in the past few years it has seen a boom in residential redevelopment, growing from about 150 housing units to more than 600, according to a neighborhood association assessment. The neighborhood is bound by White Settlement Road to the north, West 7th Street to the south, Carroll Street to the east and University Drive to the east.
The neighborhood was once dominated by working class families in bungalows and other small homes. But after the tornado, as the broader Cultural District became more popular, and warehouses were replaced by bars and apartments, large townhomes and duplexes sprung up on formerly single-family lots.
Councilwoman Ann Zadeh pushed for the rezoning, saying she worried it would be the last opportunity to include affordable housing in the Cultural District. Zadeh represents the area.
Eva Bonilla, president of the Linwood Neighborhood Association, said no one is opposed to affordable housing.
“Our neighbors want our area to be sustainable, and increasing the density in our area, will take that away,” she said. “Saigebrook is forcing their needs into the wrong site.”
Bonilla said the development and the surrounding area are not attractive to families. The West 7th area has been popular with young professionals and empty nesters, she said, who don’t need a lot of space.
Tracey Neilson, who called in to the council meeting, said the project was not a fitting use of the city’s affordable housing tax credits. She said families looking for proper accommodations would want plenty of outdoor space and other amenities the Azelea West project doesn’t include because the lot is too small.
“Why would we help Saigebrook squeeze a size 12 shoe into a size 4 shoe?” she asked.
The lack of amenities was a sticking point for Jordan, who worried Linwood Park wasn’t enough. Assistant City Manager Dana Burghdoff said it was uncommon for affordable housing complexes to have pools or other upscale amenities.
Those who spoke in favor of the project, including some who also live in the Cultural District, said critics were practicing NIMBYism -- Not In My Backyard.
Jenifer Reiner, who lives a few blocks away and is an urban planner, said the Linwood location was perfect for both high density and affordable housing. She said her family saved and planned to be able to afford a home in the popular district.
“I have a choice to live in the Cultural District, on West 7th, on the west side of Fort Worth, but not all do,” she said. “I fully support this development so that others may also have the choice to live within access and opportunity.”
This story was originally published June 24, 2020 at 6:00 AM.
