Terrell sanctions zoning for residential construction, responding to heightened demand for affordable homes
Terrell, Texas, Addresses Growing Housing Demand
Terrell, a town in North Texas with a population of approximately 18,000, is currently experiencing rapid growth, making it the fastest growing county in the country with more than 20,000 residents. In response to this growth, the city has taken steps to develop new housing, including affordable housing projects.
Recently, the city council rezoned 66 acres from agriculture/multi-family to planned development, paving the way for Dominion Acquisition LLC to build dozens of new homes. This move aims to address the increasing demand for housing in the area.
During an Aug. 5 public hearing, Angie Cooper, CEO of the Terrell Chamber of Commerce, emphasised the critical need for the community to provide other housing options for people to live in. Cooper stated that the town has a lot to offer and is attracting developers to build homes.
Prior to the hearing, the city mailed 31 letters to property owners within 200 feet of the rezoned property and received only one letter back that was not in favor of the future development. However, Jane McFadden, a co-owner of a coffee shop and music store in downtown Terrell, mentioned she has heard pushback from at least one customer who lives near the planned development. McFadden stated that some residents have questions about infrastructure related to the future development.
Avery Shaw, another co-owner of a coffee shop and music store in downtown Terrell, supports the development, stating that it will bring more people to the town and support local businesses. Shaw also mentioned that the town is taking baby steps to prepare for growth and flourish to its full potential.
Cooper emphasised that the developer has worked with programs offering assistance such as housing vouchers for hardworking individual families. The average annual income of applicants for housing assistance was just under $20,000, indicating a need for affordable housing options in the area.
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Priscilla Rice is KERA's communities reporter. Dominion Acquisition LLC is based out of San Angelo, Texas. KERA News is made possible through the generosity of its members.
As Terrell continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how the development of new housing, including affordable housing projects, will help the town accommodate its growing population and maintain its affordability.
- The development of new housing in Terrell, including initiatives like affordable housing projects, could attract more investors interested in real-estate, as the town continues to grow and address its rising housing demand.
- The increasing demand for housing in Terrell, coupled with the city's efforts to provide affordable housing options, might lead to a wave of financial investments in the local housing market, particularly among entities focusing on real-estate and community development.
