Stratus’ Post

Congratulations to our client The NRP Group LLC on the successful award of this important project for Austin ISD teachers, students, families and the East Austin community. We look forward to serving on the team! "The Austin school district expects a development company to begin construction of a 500-unit housing complex for local educators within two years, at the earliest, district administrators said. District officials hope the planned housing complex — on the site of the Anita Ferrales Coy Facility – will help teachers and school staff find affordable housing in Austin and continue working in the district. This housing complex — the first for the Austin district — could also be the first of several as the district seeks unique ways to keep teachers in the city. On Nov. 16, the district’s board of trustees signed a contract with multifamily developer and manager company NRP Group to develop housing at the 19.8-acre site, 4900 Gonzales St. Soon, the company will begin several months of preliminary work and community engagement, said Jeremy Striffler, the school district's director of real estate. The housing units, at least half of which will be affordable, are meant for teachers and other district staff, who will get first pick over any other applicants, he said. Housing prices in Austin are expensive and districts across the state have struggled to attract and retain staff. Rent costs also are still indefinite. The district is requiring NRP Group to price at least half the units at less than 80% of market value. The company’s planning period will determine how affordable they make the units, Striffler said. In Austin, a family of four qualifies as low income under federal guidelines with an income of $93,450 or less. The district has also formed Public Facility Corp., which serves as a vehicle to manage the property and scope out other future opportunities for district-supported housing. While NRP will own and manage the units on the Coy site, the district will own the property and lease the land to the company. The corporation also allows the district to funnel property tax breaks and other construction benefits to the company, which will keep building and ultimately rent costs low, Striffler said. Repurposing of the Coy site will also include constructing a new building for the district’s Alternative Learning Center, which educates students with discipline or social challenges, Striffler said. “That's part of this unique opportunity is to design a facility that is responsive to their needs,” Striffler said. “They've been shoehorned into some facilities in the past.” The district plans to construct the new learning center first and build the housing on the site of the old elementary school. Construction of the housing will begin, at the earliest, summer of 2025, he said.

A great opportunity for Austin's community, utilizing AISD land for affordable housing for AISD teachers, classified employees, and East Austin residents. "Your next apartment could be inside an old school. Why it matters: As developers seek to repurpose empty space — and cities like Austin work to find affordable housing solutions — a mix of building types are on the table. Driving the news: Representatives from Austin ISD and developer NRP Group will go in front of the city's Planning Commission on Tuesday to seek rezoning approvals for the Anita Ferrales Coy Facility in East Austin. Rezoning the former school, which sits on 18 acres and hasn't operated since 2012, would allow the district to transform the site into housing for teachers, staff and the public. What they're saying: "People do not need to be employed by Austin ISD to rent one of the apartments," Jeremy Striffler, the district's director of real estate and asset management, tells Axios. "However, Austin ISD teachers and staff will be given priority when the apartments become available to lease." The district's goal is to develop up to 500 units of multifamily housing at a "range of market prices," superintendent Matias Segura told the Austin Chronicle last week. "It's a blended development, so it could be from 40 percent median family income up to 120 percent," Segura added. "Because we own the land, we can use that to protect affordability and also require the developer to create unit mixes that attract families." Flashback: In a survey last year, 70% of AISD employees reported spending more than 30% of their annual income on housing, which classifies them as "cost-burdened." The big picture: Shuttered schools accounted for 3% of U.S. apartment conversions in 2023, data shared with Axios shows. Former offices and hotels dominate the national conversion trend, comprising 28% and 36% of newly completed projects, according to a RentCafe analysis. Zoom in: The Anita Ferrales Coy Facility is one of six Austin ISD sites that the district has identified for potential repurposing, whether that be for housing, shared work spaces, mixed-use community centers, child care facilities or something else. AISD staff members are working on a recommendation to the Board of Trustees about the future use of the former Rosedale Elementary School in Central Austin, which is currently being used by the Travis County Sheriff's Office and Austin ISD police for mandatory active shooter response training. What's next: If the planning commission approves AISD's rezoning request of the Anita Ferrales Coy Facility, it will go before the full city council on July 18. AISD estimates that construction would start in the summer of 2025, according to Striffler."

Exclusionary Zoning, School Segregation, and Housing Segregation: An Investigation into a Modern Desegregation Case and Solutions to Housing Segregation PDF: https://lnkd.in/euMwjUEJ This note will then examine California’s history of school segregation, including analyzing the connection between the passage of Proposition 13 and greater disparity within California school districts. Next, it will investigate a recent desegregation case, People ex rel. Becerra v. Sausalito Marin City School District, where the California Attorney General ordered the Sausalito Marin City School District to desegregate. The note then delves into the history of Marin City and how the zoning ordinances, federal programs, and private real estate tactics purposely separated Marin City from the rest of the county and culminated in the Attorney General’s desegregation order. Lastly, this note will explore solutions to resolve housing segregation in communities like Marin City. The Constitution of the United States makes broad claims about equality, yet this nation is far from achieving its idealistic goals. This country was founded as a segregated society; it treated anyone who was not white as an outsider, not entitled to the same privileges as white men. Even after the Civil War concluded and slavery was outlawed, communities across the nation continued to be the product of self-segregation and further government-sponsored segregation. These practices have affected every aspect of life in the United States. Moreover, these tactics were deliberately used to prevent minorities from gaining equality in housing and, subsequently, in educational opportunities. While these private—and government-sponsored tactics—were not explicitly labeled as de jure segregation or Jim Crow laws, they were used throughout the nation as a method to further the idea that whites were superior to others. Although California was founded as a free state and did not engage in de jure segregation following the Civil War, efforts to separate communities on the basis of race persisted. The results of those segregationist efforts endure to this day and are particularly pronounced in the intersection between housing and schools. Historically, minorities were unable to buy homes in the same neighborhoods as whites, limiting the schools minority children could attend. As a result, this impacted children for the rest of their lives, determining which jobs they could hold, where they could live, and, importantly, the opportunities available to future generations. Even today, isolated communities are still part of American society and segregated schools are not just a feature of the past. #Prop13 #housing #segregation #segregatedneighborhoods #exclusionaryzoning #zoning #schools #racism #Brown #civilrights #freedom #liberty

Looking for a Family-Friendly Duplex Investment in Broward County, FL? Here Are Your Best Options! Investing in a duplex in Broward County can be a smart move, especially for families with teenagers who need access to top-rated public high schools. Based on recent data, here are some of the best neighborhoods to consider: 1. Weston Public High School: Cypress Bay High School Median Home Value: $382,986 (14% higher than Florida average) Characteristics: Weston is renowned for its safety, excellent parks, and strong community vibe. Cypress Bay High School is among the best in the state, making this area ideal for families seeking a high-quality education for their children. 2. Parkland Public High School: Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Median Home Value: Higher than many other neighborhoods but worth the investment for the quality of life and education. Characteristics: Parkland offers a safe, affluent community with excellent public amenities and one of the top-rated high schools, ensuring both a great education and a secure environment for your family. 3. Davie Public High School: Western High School or Nova High School Median Home Value: More affordable compared to Weston and Parkland, providing a good balance between cost and amenities. Characteristics: Davie combines a suburban and rural feel with plenty of parks and recreational activities. It’s a more affordable option while still offering quality education and a peaceful lifestyle. 4. Cooper City Public High School: Cooper City High School Median Home Value: Similar to Davie, offering a more budget-friendly investment. Characteristics: Known for its strong community and family-oriented environment, Cooper City provides good schools, safe streets, and a welcoming suburban atmosphere. 5. Pembroke Pines Public High School: Charles W. Flanagan High School or West Broward High School Median Home Value: $382,986 (14% higher than Florida average), yet still more affordable than Weston and Parkland. Characteristics: Pembroke Pines offers a suburban environment with good schools, parks, and a variety of shopping and dining options, making it a practical choice for families. 6. Coral Springs Public High School: Coral Glades High School or J.P. Taravella High School Median Home Value: Comparable to Pembroke Pines, providing a cost-effective investment. Characteristics: Coral Springs is recognized for its safety, family-friendly atmosphere, and ample parks. It’s an excellent option for families looking for an affordable yet high-quality living environment. By considering these neighborhoods, you can ensure that your investment in a duplex will not only offer potential financial returns but also provide a great living environment for your family. Each area is characterized by a strong sense of community, excellent public schools, and a safe, family-friendly atmosphere. Happy house hunting! #RealEstate #Investment #BrowardCounty #FamilyLiving #DuplexInvestment #TopSchools #SafeNeighborhoods

"Building Foundations for Thriving Communities: The Vital Role of Affordable Housing" Imagine strolling through a neighborhood where every street exudes vibrancy, where laughter echoes through the air, & where the sense of belonging wraps around you like a warm embrace. What's the secret ingredient behind such a flourishing community? It's none other than affordable housing – the cornerstone on which the very essence of a healthy community rests. Picture this: a diverse tapestry of families, young professionals, & seniors all interwoven in the fabric of a neighborhood. The heart of such a community beats with a rhythm of unity, driven by the common understanding that the foundation of their well-being lies in having a place to call home without sacrificing their financial security. Affordable housing is like the sun that nourishes the garden of human connections. It allows friendships to sprout, partnerships to blossom, & dreams to reach for the sky. It's not merely about the houses themselves, but the lives they cradle & the opportunities they create. When individuals aren't burdened by astronomical housing costs, their minds are free to explore new avenues, cultivate their talents, & contribute actively to the community's growth. Think about the incredible stories that unfold when affordability is at the center of a community's ethos. A young artist finds herself nestled in an affordable loft, transforming it into a studio where her imagination knows no bounds. A family, previously struggling to make ends meet, finally experiences stability, enabling their children to focus on education & aspirations. An elderly couple, after decades of hard work, can comfortably retire in a place that has been their haven through the years. But it's not just about individual stories – affordable housing threads together the very fabric of societal progress. It opens doors for a diverse workforce, ensuring that essential workers, teachers, nurses, & public servants can live close to their places of service. This proximity sparks a domino effect of positive outcomes, from improved response times during emergencies to the cultivation of a more tightly-knit network of care & support. In essence, affordable housing is the magical elixir that nurtures the health & vitality of a community. It transforms streets into bustling avenues of interaction, parks into gathering places for laughter, & houses into homes that resonate with the harmony of shared dreams. A healthy community isn't just a geographical location; it's a state of mind where everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, can thrive & contribute their unique hues to the canvas of togetherness. The article below via Gulfshore Business Magazine https://lnkd.in/eektD7sz #Education #AffordableHousing #Community #RealEstate

A must read good news story about compassionate capitalism at it's finest... "People tend to put 'housing' and 'education' in separate social categories, but both are strongly interconnected and can be almost viewed as one. High performing schools are typically located in affluent, stable housing communities, and low performing schools are typically located in poor, marginalized transitional communities. Sadly, it’s the low-income families with few housing options, that end up living in low-performing elementary school districts, despite the heroic efforts (and budgets) of educators. Why is housing and education so inter-connected? The main answer is student mobility (transiency). Student mobility is the movement of children during the school year, and housing is the major trigger of student mobility. If a landlord significantly raises rents beyond affordability, the parents only option is to move. Student movement 2-3 times a school year is becoming a norm as the increased cost of housing forces parents to chase affordable housing options outside their school district. Research has found students generally lose about three months of reading and math learning each time they switch schools. In fact, in a study of 13,000 Chicago students, University of Chicago researcher David Kerbow found those who had changed schools four or more times by 6th grade, that their classmates—and students in schools with high churn were a year behind those in more stable schools by 5th grade." https://lnkd.in/e_uFQyMb #Marjy #CompassionateCapitalist"

Transforming Modular Classrooms into Affordable Homes: A Sandhills Real Estate Holdings Initiative In an era where affordable housing remains a critical concern across our community, innovative solutions are not just welcomed; they are necessary. At Sandhills Real Estate Holdings, our commitment to addressing this issue head-on has led us to a unique and inspiring project in (local) Harnett County, North Carolina. We're taking a step beyond traditional land acquisition and development to repurpose modular classrooms into affordable housing units. The Genesis of an Idea The story begins with a local school in need of additional space to accommodate its growing student population. The solution? Modular classrooms, stick-built on-site, measuring 24’ x 32’. While these structures served their educational purpose admirably, they were no longer needed. Recognizing the opportunity to breathe new life into these structures, we envisioned them not as temporary educational spaces, but as permanent homes. With infill lots already available just 3 miles from the school site, the logistics aligned perfectly with our vision. The Journey to Repurposing Embracing the concept of repurposing non-traditional buildings is more than an exercise in creativity; it's a testament to our dedication to community enhancement and sustainable development. The initial step in this journey involved extensive dialogue with the County planning department. Their response was not only encouraging, but also enlightening. The buildings, affectionately referred to as "HUTs" by the school district, are apparently well-known by County officials. With the green light from the County, and a shared enthusiasm for the project, we embark on the process of retrofitting these HUTs into something equally impactful to their original intended use. Why This Matters The repurposing of modular classrooms into affordable housing is a step towards closing the affordable housing gap. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, the United States faces a shortage of 7 million affordable rental homes for extremely low-income renters. Projects like ours not only contribute to mitigating this shortage, but also demonstrate the viability of innovative and sustainable housing solutions. Looking Forward As we proceed with the transformation of these two modular classrooms into affordable homes, we invite the community and our stakeholders to follow along. This journey is an opportunity to set a precedent for affordable housing solutions in North Carolina. Stay tuned as we share updates, insights, and lessons learned!

The lack of affordable housing is a nationwide problem for teachers, making it difficult to recruit and retain qualified educators in many communities.  A report from the National Council on Teacher Quality looked at the relationship between the U.S. housing market and teacher staffing challenges. After analyzing housing costs in 69 large metropolitan areas across all 50 states against teacher salaries at the largest school districts in those areas, it found that it would cost more than 30% of early-career teachers’ salary to afford a one-bedroom apartment. In a bid to attract and retain teachers, some communities are getting creative with their housing options, such as building tiny homes or converting motels to staff housing. As housing costs rise in the San Franciso Bay Area, where housing costs are sky-high, school districts have resorted to asking families to rent rooms to teachers as a solution. Read more about how the housing crisis is affecting educators: https://lnkd.in/gYgSTP9D

When considering a new position and school district, the average teacher in America will always have to consider affordable housing close by. It’s a challenge, both for them and many others who have school-aged children. However, we’re seeing an interesting trend where school districts are diving into the housing industry to provide people with better options. Traditionally, we know that more can and should be done to better support teachers in the United States. This is a well-deserved first step in helping to get quality teachers into schools. #Housing #Homes #Schools #Education #Teachers