The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs announced on April 1 that two affordable housing developments in Alice, Texas, have had a significant impact on the community. FishPond at Alice and MillPond at Alice were both developed with the help of competitive housing tax credit awards from the department.
These projects are important because they address the need for quality affordable housing in rural areas like Alice. The town has a population of about 17,595 and faces challenges common to many rural communities in Texas, such as lower median incomes and older infrastructure.
Mayor Cynthia Carrasco said, “These developments (Fishpond at Alice and Millpond at Alice) have had a positive impact on our community by improving the quality and condition of housing in the area and helping revitalize properties that needed rehabilitation. The improvements have contributed to a stronger sense of pride in the neighborhood and have provided residents with safer, better-maintained places to live. Overall, the investment has helped strengthen the community and support continued growth within our city.”
David Fournier of FishPond Development LLC explained some challenges faced during construction: “For FishPond Alice, the biggest challenge was the abatement and demolition of the structure in an infill location.” He added that for MillPond “the challenge was working around existing tenants” as well as unexpected repairs such as replacing sewer lines and termite-damaged framing.
FishPond received over $1.1 million in tax credits through awards given between 2021-2023 while MillPond received just over $1 million in 2023. Combined, these investments are expected to bring more than $18.5 million into Alice over ten years. FishPond provides 69 units (67 affordable), while all 80 units at MillPond are considered affordable under federal contracts.
Fournier said local support was key: “The City Manager, Mayor, Council and all City staff have been incredibly supportive… The City was grateful that we removed a 20-year eyesore with the old hospital… Guadalupe Haciendas was also another eyesore… In addition, the regional HUD office was very supportive as the property was at risk of losing its subsidy because of failing REAC scores.” Mayor Carrasco summed up why these efforts matter: “When communities have adequate affordable housing options, it supports economic stability, workforce retention, and overall quality of life for residents.”
