By Rick Krivoniak, Vice Chair, Robert Mueller Municipal Airport Plan Implementation Advisory Commission from the December 2020 Front Porch Flyer
Mueller’s affordable housing program was on the agenda for November’s Commission meeting. The program is still very successful, though the pandemic has had an impact. A few families have required some financial assistance, and it’s anticipated that early 2021 may bring more. Fortunately, the Mueller Foundation is capable of providing that assistance. Besides three tax-credit apartment projects where all but a few units are affordable, most other apartment complexes at Mueller have at least 10% of their units available for tenants that qualify under the affordable program – at or below 60% of Austin’s Median Family Income (MFI), which is currently $58,550 for a family of four, or $41,000 for one person.
Habitat for Humanity has a row of homes nearing completion across from the new Jesse Andrews Park, and as a new section of Mueller opens, a number of new affordable row homes, garden homes, and condominiums will be built. Homes in the affordable program are priced well below market value, selling in the high $100,000s to low $200,000s for those at or below 80% of MFI, or $78,100 for a family of four, or $62,500 for a two-person household.
One of Austin’s best sushi restaurants, Kyoten Sushiko, closed earlier this year, but chef Michael Che will soon open a new contender in the category. Che plans to open omakase sushi restaurant Tsuke Edomae in the same Mosaic at Mueller space at 4600 Mueller Blvd. #1035 in March 2021.
Following the City of Austin’s protocol, the play, exercise, and sports facilities at Mueller’s parks have opened with notices to follow COVID-19 precautions. Mueller’s pools have closed for the season, but are anticipated to open next April for resident swim and to the public on Memorial Day.
Mueller Commission meetings continue to be virtual for the foreseeable future. Agendas, minutes, meeting recordings, and other documents are available at austintexas.gov/rmmapiac