MICHAEL S.

RAWLINGS
MAYOR

CITY OF DALLAS

June 4,2015

Mr. Tim Irvine, Executive Director

Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs
221 East 11th Street
Austin, TX 78701-2410
RE: Gateway on Clarendon ("Project") - Undesirable Neighborhood Characteristics
Dear Mr. Irvine,
The purpose of this letter is to support the site eligibility waiver request for Gateway on Clarendon, a 4
percent LIlITC with Tax Exempt Bond application by Family Gateway and Matthews Southwest, to be
owned by 1525 East Clarendon, LP. This project is an important catalyst to revitalize an emerging
neighborhood, and complements our City's GrowSouth initiative.
Reportedly, there is concern that the census tract exhibits high poverty. Poverty rates in this tract are skewed
by the fact that many properties are in need of severe renovation, and many households reside in a Dallas
Housing Authority Public Housing complex known as Brackin's Village. It is imperative to provide new, yet
affordable units to help revitalize the neighborhood.
The Project is located nearly adjacent to the 8th Street DART station. Residents will have direct access to
transit, only two stops from downtown Dallas and thousands of employment options.
The combination of affordable housing and access to transportation will save the average household residing
in the project thousands of dollars annually. Further, the reduced time traveling to and from place of
employment will enable families to spend more time together. Increased income and more time with family
members leads to neighborhood stability.
Rising income combined with neighborhood stability reduces poverty and leads to decreased crime.
Residents will also benefit from heightened security features built into the project to create a safer
environment.
Gateway on Clarendon successfully competed against 19 other applicants vying for funds from the City of
Dallas. The Project addresses our City's key objectives and we respectfully request that TDHCA waive its
undesirable neighborhood characteristics conditions to assist the City ofDalIas achieve its goals of transit-

oriented, workforce housing catering to families in South Dallas.

Best regards,

Michael S
Mayor
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR CITY HALL 1500 MARILLA ST., 5EN DALLAS, TEXAS 75201