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‘Middle housing’ among top priorities for Houston’s Livable Places committee

by Emily Marek

Houston’s Livable Places committee shared in a public meeting on April 18 that their current aims for the city include mid-level housing options and market-based parking.

The Livable Places action committee was created by the Houston Planning and Development Department with the goal of making the city more walkable, affordable and equitable. Project manager Suvidha Bandi and city planner Aracely Rodriguez presented the committee’s proposals at the meeting on April 18.

“We know that the population has been increasing the development happening all over the city,” said Rodriguez. “We need to create a tool to create more accessible, diverse neighborhoods with access to greater transportation options and with more attainable housing options for all Houstonians.”

When it comes to housing, Rodriguez and Bandi explained that while Houston has ample single-family dwellings and high-rise/midrise apartments, the city lacks “in-between” housing. The Livable Places committee proposes that Houston remove size limits for second dwelling units (also called accessory dwelling units), which are living spaces located on the same lots as single-family homes. The type of housing is rising in popularity, as no land purchase is necessary.

The Livable Places committee also proposes that Houston increase its number of multi-unit residential properties (like triplexes and fourplexes), courtyard developments (single-family homes situated around courtyard/shared parking spaces) and narrow-lot developments.

Another proposal is lowering parking requirements in areas near bus stops, transit stations and bike paths — essentially encouraging the use of public transport and providing alternatives for Houstonians who don’t have cars.

The proposals will be presented to the Houston Planning Commission on April 27.

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