U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Office of Community Planning and Development

CITIZEN'S SUMMARY

The City of College Station is located in the central portion of the state of Texas, approximately 90 miles east of Austin and 200 miles southeast of Dallas. It was originally a small, rural community. Gradually, the City of College Station grew around Texas A&M University as university faculty and staff began to develop the surrounding area. In 1938, the City of College Station was incorporated. Texas A&M University is located within the city boundaries. During the last three decades, College Station has expanded its economic base to include regional retail services, light manufacturing, and health care services.
By 1990, the City of College Station had expanded to 27.7 square miles and 52,426 persons. The current population for the City of College Station is estimated at 57,147 persons. Currently, Texas A&M University has an enrollment of approximately 41,000 students and employs approximately 19,000 persons. Since 1980, the City of College Station's total population has increased 41%.

The City of College Station is a home rule municipality and uses a Council/Manager form of government.

Action Plan

During the next year, the City of College Station plans to continue its extensive housing assistance programs. The city estimates building 15 new replacement homes and rehabilitating 15 existing substandard homes for low-income families. The city also plans to provide downpayment assistance to five to 10 first-time homebuyers. In addition, the city plans to fund local public service agencies at the maximum grant amount allowed by HUD. Finally, the city anticipates using local and federal funds to revitalize the older commercial area commonly known as the Northgate District.

Citizen Participation

The development of the City of College Station's 1995-1999 Consolidated Plan began officially in October 1994. On October 13, 1994, the College Station City Council approved the formation of an ad hoc Housing Task Force to study the growing future housing needs of the city. The council appointed 11 local citizens to the task force. The composition of the task force is diverse and provides a fair representation of the community. The group has met at least monthly for the last six months and has contributed greatly to the development of the Consolidated Plan, especially in the directional formation of the five-year housing strategy for the city.

Since October 1994, staff members of the College Station Community Development Office have met personally with numerous nonprofit public service providers, local citizens, and housing and real estate professionals about the housing and non-housing needs of the College Station community.

On April 11, 1995, the Community Development Office held a public hearing on the development of the Consolidated Plan and its citizen participation plan. Over 20 local citizens and public service providers attended the hearing. On July 2, 1995, the city published an executive summary of the proposed 1994-1999 Consolidated Plan in the local newspaper, the Bryan-College Station Eagle. On July 20, the ad hoc Housing Task Force presided over the second official public hearing of the Consolidated Plan. At this hearing, the draft of the Consolidated Plan was presented. On August 10, 1995, the final version of the Consolidated Plan was presented to the College Station City Council in a public meeting. After the presentation, the council approved a resolution accepting the entire Consolidated Plan, including the one-year action plan and the required certifications. On August 16, 1995, the complete Consolidated Plan was officially submitted to the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in Fort Worth, Texas.

COMMUNITY PROFILE

During the last decade, the City of College Station has experienced many changes. In 1990, it had a population of 52,426 persons living in 19,845 dwelling units. Since then, the population for the area has increased by approximately 4,721 persons, bringing the total to 57,147. This growth has resulted in an increased demand for public services.

HOUSING AND COMMUNITY NEEDS

One of the most significant changes has been the growing demand for affordable housing in the community. The influx of new residents has added to the increased demand for housing in the early 1990's. To meet this growing housing demand, the city has experienced a dramatic increase in residential construction activity during the last 18 months. After a nine-year period of essentially no multi-family development (1984-1993), the City of College Station has experienced a significant increase in multi-family construction activity. Approximately 700 new multi-family units have been built during the last 18 months or are currently under construction. Over 360 new single-family units were built within the city in 1994. Although this is a substantial increase in housing production over previous years, it still is not enough to meet current local demand. Based on local projections, the general population of the city will increase by approximately 5,700 persons in the next five years.

Housing Conditions

In 1990, College Station had 52,426 persons living in 19,845 dwelling units (du) , for an average of 2.64 persons per du within the city limits. Since that time, the population has increased by approximately 4,721 persons, for an estimated 57,147 residents within College Station. During the same period, local building permits indicate dwelling units increased by 2,255. This expanded housing stock at a persons/du ratio of 2.09 and reduced the persons/du ratio to 2.53.

Housing Needs

Due primarily to Texas A&M University being located within the area and the large number of students seeking housing, the existing housing stock in both cities is composed of a high percentage of rental units. Over 75 percent of College Station's housing units are estimated to be rental properties. Of these rental units, the majority are smaller 1- or 2- bedroom units designed for students or small families. Only 13 percent of the existing rental property in College Station has three or more bedrooms. Although Texas A&M University plans to limit its future enrollment at the current level of 42,000 students, the future local rental market will continue to be dominated by student housing needs. Subsequently, large low- and moderate-income families will continue to pay a heavy cost burden while competing against students for adequate rental shelter in the marketplace.

Housing Market Conditions

More than 75 percent of the area's current housing stock is rental property. Most of these units are small 1- or 2-bedroom units, designed originally for students or small families. Although Texas A&M University plans to limit its future enrollment to approximately 42,000 students, the future rental market will continue to be dominated by the housing needs of university students and faculty. In turn, large low-income families will continue to bear a heavy burden competing for adequate rental shelter in this competitive marketplace.

Sales prices on existing and newly constructed homes have also increased dramatically in the last year. The average sales price for an existing pre-owned home in Bryan and College Station has increased from $86,300 to $88,900, a rise of 3 percent. Average sales prices for Texas and the nation rose by only 2 percent and 1 percent, respectively. In addition, the number of houses sold in the College Station area during the last year increased by 9 percent. Approximately 336 homes have been sold locally; however, only 12 homes (3.6 percent) were priced below $50,000 and only 41 homes (12 percent) were sold for under $60,000. In 1994, the average sales price of a newly constructed single-family home inBryan/College Station was $135,000.

Affordable Housing Needs

Listed below is a narrative summary of the rationale for the prioritization of housing needs of existing low-income renters and homeowners in College Station:

Small Family Renter Priority Needs: Although this subgroup has historically had more residential units to choose from than large family renters seeking 3- or 4- bedroom rental units, there still remains a large unmet need for shelter within this cohort. In addition, a high percentage of this subgroup spends between 30-51 percent of their monthly income on shelter.
Large Family Renter Priority Needs: Large families renting shelter in College Station face great hardship due to the lack of large 3- and 4-bedroom apartments and rental units throughout the community. In addition, these large families must financially compete with university students "doubling up" with multiple roommates per bedroom.
Renter Elderly: These residents are severely burdened by the cost of housing in College Station due to their limited future income sources (most are on small pensions or social security) and the limited number of existing handicapped accessible rental units within the city.
Owners: In most cases, households within the extremely low- and low-income categories don't have the necessary funds to properly maintain their residences. Historically, the city has devoted a significant percentage of its CDBG and HOME grants to households in this category.

Homeless Needs

There has been no comprehensive survey of the nature and extent of homelessness in the City of College Station other than the 1990 Census. The Census reported only 51 homeless people within the MSA, with none being reported as unsheltered. The results of a recent local survey performed by City of Bryan Community Development staff members indicate that there are more homeless persons than the Census indicates.

The needs locally are difficult to determine because many of the homeless do not use shelters but simply move in with friends or family. These individuals do not meet HUD's definition of homeless. The Brazos Valley Development Council (BVDC) reports approximately 1,471 individuals on its Section 8 waiting list. Of those, 786 claim to be either involuntarily displaced or in substandard housing. One hundred fifty-one of the persons on the list claim to be homeless. BVDC estimates that approximately 35 percent (53 persons) of those claiming to be homeless are indeed homeless by HUD's definition. The remaining persons can be categorized as " at risk".

The City of College Station has no homeless facilities located within its boundaries. All existing facilities are located in Bryan. The Cities of Bryan and College Station rely on a variety of agencies to provide temporary housing for homeless persons and families. Each facility is distinguished by the type of persons it accepts. All of the facilities offering overnight accommodations are located in or adjacent to Bryan's downtown business district.

Public and Assisted Housing Needs

The Brazos Valley Development Council (BVDC) has primary responsibility for the administration of Section 8 tenant based certificates and vouchers and the Moderate Rehabilitation Program. As of July 1995, the BVDC reported 1102 utilized Section 8 tenant based certificates and vouchers and 27 moderate rehabilitation for Bryan and College Station. Approximately $7,437,000 in rental subsidy will be distributed by BVDC during this fiscal year (October 1994 - September 1995).

Barriers to Affordable Housing

One of the major barriers to affordable housing is the high cost of land (improved or unimproved) in College Station. This basic expense is significantly higher in College Station than in Bryan or other small Central Texas communities; therefore, the final cost of developed lots and finished homes is eventually higher than other local communities. However, there are other development costs that add significantly to the expense of developing new single-family lots in College Station.

Fair Housing

After a review of the City of College Station's policies and procedures, no significant impediments to housing choice were found to exist. Furthermore, the City of College Station has adopted a Fair Housing Ordinance. Complaints regarding violation of this ordinance can be filed in the City Attorney's Office.

Lead-Based Paint

College Station plans to provide more public information on the hazards of lead-based paint and increase the frequency of lead-based paint testing on potential rehabilitation projects. The city also plans to make the reduction or elimination of lead-based paint hazards within the community, especially in reference to children, a high priority.

Community Development Needs

The City of College Station provides financial and technical support to local human service providers using a dedicated portion of its Community Development Block Grant funds. Financial support for agencies is determined by a competitive grant and public hearing process. Because of the limited amount of funding available to human service providers through the CDBG program, the city evaluated its funding process to ensure the most critical needs of extremely low-, low-, and moderate-income persons are being met. The agencies and residents surveyed listed the following ten areas as the most critical concerns in our community:

Crime & Violence including Youth Gangs
Education/Job Training
Drug & Alcohol Abuse
Safe & Affordable Housing
Family Deterioration
Health Care
Affordable Child Care
Teen Pregnancy
Hunger
Transportation Housing and Community Development Strategic Plan

Vision for Change

The City of College Station does not have enough affordable housing. During the next five years, the city will continue to take a strong leadership role in the development of more homeownership opportunities to low- and moderate-income citizens of College Station. In addition, the city will support the housing and nonhousing efforts of local public service agencies.

Housing Priorities

To provide an adequate and affordable supply of residential rental property through the rehabilitation of existing residential property and tenant rental assistance.
To expand the supply of decent, safe, and affordable housing through the development of new residential property.
To expand the supply of decent, safe, and affordable housing through the rehabilitation of existing residential property.
To expand homeownership opportunities for low-income persons.
To provide housing and supportive services for special needs populations.

Nonhousing Community Development Priorities

To encourage the expansion and accessibility of human services for extremely low-, low-, and moderate-income persons.
To expand and improve public facilities and infrastructure where needed for extremely low-, low-, and moderate-income persons.
Expand economic opportunities for extremely low-, low-, and moderate- income persons.

Anti-Poverty Strategy

The city's strategy is to promote affordable, decent, safe housing and to expand economic opportunities and quality of life to the extent possible with available resources for low- income residents. The city will:

Expand the inventory of affordable, safe, and decent housing available to low-income residents.
Fund public service activities that allow low-income residents to maintain a quality of life that encourages them to become self-sufficient. Create employment opportunities that allow low-income residents to become economically self-sufficient members of the community. Provide assistance to businesses targeting jobs for extremely low-, low-, and moderate-income persons.
Promote and fund activities that will allow children to develop their maximum potential and leave the "poverty" environment.

ONE- YEAR ACTION PLAN

Listed below are the planned activities with respect to all CDBG and HOME funds expected during the following fiscal. Listed immediately below is a financial summary of the these two grants:

Activity                     CDBG                        HOME

Housing Assistance-SF        $156,500                    $100,000
Housing Assistance- MF       $65,000                     -0-
Optional Relocation          $360,000                    $193,250
Homebuyers Assistance        $40,000                     N/A
Demolition/Clearance         $42,500                     -0-
Acquisitions                 $95,000                     N/A
Interim Assistance           $6,000                      N/A
Public Facilities 
     & Improvements          $82,500                     N/A
Public Services              $190,500                    N/A
Administration               $254,000                    $39,100
CHDO                         N/A                         $58,650*

*CHDO funds are not available for city use
** Total amount includes program income of $22,000

Housing Goals

As mentioned earlier in this summary, the city estimates building 15 new replacement homes and rehabilitating 15 existing substandard homes for low-income families. The city also plans to provide downpayment assistance to five to 10 first-time homebuyers. In addition, the city plans to fund local public service agencies at the maximum grant amount allowed by HUD. Finally, the City also anticipates using local and federal funds to revitalize the older commercial area commonly known as the "Northgate District"

Maps

MAP 1 shows points of interest in the City of College Station.

MAP 2 shows points of interest in the City of College Station with low- and moderate-income areas shaded.

MAP 3 shows areas of minority concentration with low- and moderate-income areas outlined.

MAP 4 shows unemployment data (1990) by block group, with low- and moderate-income areas outlined.

MAP 5 shows selected CDBG projects to be funded by the City of College Station during its 1995 program year, with unemployment data shaded by block group and low- and moderate-income areas outlined.

For additional information about the College Station Consolidated Plan, contact Andy Gillies at (409) 764-3758.

Return to Texas' Consolidated Plans.