Approval of a proposed multifamily residential development along Burnet Road was delayed April 16 after concerns from neighbors and some Austin City Council members.

C.J. Sackman of Sackman Enterprise is seeking approval to develop a 225-unit rental property that would include some affordable units at 8528 Burnet Road. The project, which Sackman estimates would be approximately 60 feet tall, requires multifamily residential zoning instead of the site's current commercial zoning designation.

Sackman needs Austin City Council to approve the zoning change before advancing the project; however, he said the council's continued delays on any approval jeopardizes his financial ability to build the project. With the delays he has already faced, Sackman said it would not be possible for him to provide more than 34 affordable units in the project.

North Shoal Creek Neighborhood Association has voiced concerns about the development's affect on surrounding density, traffic and school enrollment in the area.

District 10 Councilwoman Sheri Gallo said Austin's affordability problem is related to high demand and low supply. The area Sackman proposes to develop in is very high demand for renters, she said, basing her declaration on information she has received from leasing agents who work in the area.

District 2 Councilwoman Delia Garza said she agrees with Gallo's comments. Garza also expressed concern if affordable housing is not available in areas such as the Burnet Road corridor that more people will continue sprawling outward to Districts 2 and 3—thus worsening ongoing gentrification issues, she said.

Sackman said he has already compromised as much as possible with the city and neighborhood group regarding the height and number of units in the project.

The majority of North Shoal Creek Neighborhood Association members are homeowners and not renters, said Sharon Justice, a neighborhood association board member.

The case first came to council Feb. 12 and was passed on first reading only. Sackman said he hoped to have the case receive final passage during the April 16 council meeting, but instead Austin City Council approved the rezoning only on second reading—with three readings necessary for final approval. The case will be heard again April 23 for a third and final vote.

District 7 Councilwoman Leslie Pool was one of the advocates for delaying any zoning changes to allow the developer and neighborhood group more time to compromise. Pool said she is willing to facilitate those talks about the proposed development, which falls in her district.

Council members Ellen Troxclair, Sabino "Pio" Renteria, Don Zimmerman, Sheri Gallo and Delia Garza voted to grant the development final approval during the April 16 meeting. The attempt failed, and in a separate vote seven council members voted to approve the case on second reading only with the density allowances requested by the developer. Council members Leslie Pool, Kathie Tovo, Ora Houston and Ann Kitchen voted no.