richasardanaTAB’s Position Statement on the Brackenridge Tract
Posted by richasardana on November 21, 2009
The University of Texas at Austin Tenant Advisory Board (TAB) of the University Apartments prepared this position statement in response to the proposed redevelopment of the university’s Brackenridge Tract. Cooper, Robertson and Partners, the urban design firm hired by the University of Texas Board of Regents, developed conceptual plans of the area, releasing two proposals that include the razing and consolidation of all three complexes to build a new University Apartments complex on the site of the current Gateway complex. The proposal to eliminate housing on the Colorado and Brackenridge sites is of particular concern to current residents. Additional concerns arise regarding the details of the plan, including the affordability, safety, and density of the new complex. These concerns are based on Cooper, Robertson’s plan to build more than 800 apartments at the Gateway site, one that currently houses 200 units.
Based on resident (students and their families) surveys, TAB supports five key criteria:
1. Affordability
2. Proximity to campus
3. Proximity to Mathews Elementary
4. Family- and environmentally-friendly complex with green space
5. Increased number of total housing units
We encourage Regents and administrators to consider:
A) Affordability
1. Rent rates should be indexed to cost-of-living estimates for financial aid and teaching and research assistant salaries.
2. Square footage for apartments should be maintained or exceeded in order to ensure quality living standards for students and their families.
B) Family and environmental friendliness
1. Maintain standards that promote a family friendly environment and the presence of green space.
2. Maintain standards that promote environmental conservation, in accordance with University policies on new building practices.
Specific Change Proposition:
Build the new University Apartments Complex in the Brackenridge complex area.
This option presents the benefits of having a safe and family friendly environment with presence of green space, and can reduce construction costs since construction could occur in stages, and the apartment offices will not have to be relocated
TABposition_statement_BrackTract_2009_pdf
