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After long wait, Toomey Road rezoning wins initial approval
At the urging of Council Member Ann Kitchen, City Council gave first reading approval for rezoning the apartment complex property at the corner of Toomey Road and Sterzing Street close to Zilker Park. Tenants of the complex, which will be…
Zoning • By Jo Clifton • Dec 10, 2021
County irons out details in disaster preparedness plan
The Commissioners Court convened for a work session Thursday to hear a presentation on county preparations for disasters, particularly those in the vein of last February’s Winter Storm Uri. The briefing was a response to a resolution commissioners approved on…
Travis County • By Seth Smalley • Dec 10, 2021
Should buses be allowed on a new light-rail bridge over Lady Bird Lake?
Local officials overseeing Austin’s $7 billion expansion of public transit plan to launch an international competition to solicit designs for a light-rail bridge over Lady Bird Lake. Among the many questions swirling around the look and purpose of the structure,…
Transit • By Nathan Bernier, KUT • Dec 9, 2021
County looks to expand its HUB program
Over the past four years, Stephen Blake, a partner at North Park Consulting, has served as a Travis County contractor, helping county agencies to function more efficiently. His work with the county began through the Travis County Historically Underutilized Business,…
Travis County • By Molly Walsh • Dec 9, 2021
Council pushing for infrastructure, operational improvements at COTA
The city is preparing to use the coming renewal of Circuit of the Americas’ ability to receive state funding for major events as an opening to assess road and infrastructure improvements around the Southeast Austin facility, along with enhancing youth…
Music & Entertainment • By Chad Swiatecki • Dec 9, 2021
County approves bond sale to finance Limestone Ridge senior apartments
On Tuesday, the Commissioners Court approved a resolution authorizing the sale of revenue bonds to help finance a multifamily residential development called Limestone Ridge Senior Project. The item was taken up during a Housing Finance Corporation voting session, following the adjournment…
Housing • By Seth Smalley • Dec 9, 2021
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TipSheet: City Council, 12.9.21
In what has become one of our most treasured and least favorite of yearly traditions, the last City Council meeting of the year is always a long one, with everyone trying to get in a last bit of business before…
City Council • By Elizabeth Pagano • Dec 9, 2021
Rolling Stones concert problems lead to push for disability task force
The much-publicized parking and other logistical problems at last month’s Rolling Stones concert at Circuit of the Americas has pushed local officials to call for the creation of a task force focused on accessibility issues at area concert venues. Bruce …
Music & Entertainment • By Chad Swiatecki • Dec 8, 2021
Exact shape of South Central Waterfront TIRZ in limbo
After a lengthy and complicated discussion at Tuesday’s work session, City Council directed Chief Financial Officer Ed Van Eenoo to advertise a new public hearing about the long-awaited tax increment reinvestment zone for the old Austin American-Statesman site and surrounding…
Planning • By Jo Clifton • Dec 8, 2021
Development Services has a full plate managing environmental concerns
The Development Services Department briefed the Environmental Commission last week on some of the work it has been doing to improve environmental protections on construction sites. The DSD is in charge of regulating tree protection measures as well as inspecting…
Development • By Willow Higgins • Dec 8, 2021
'Corporal' added to law enforcement roster in Travis County
On Tuesday, the Travis County Commissioners Court approved the addition of a new “corporal” position, and its related funding, to the existing lineup of titles in law enforcement in the county. In terms of rank, the position will be situated…
Public Safety • By Seth Smalley • Dec 8, 2021
Search for new EMS chief still under wraps
As with last month’s meeting of the Public Safety Commission, Assistant City Manager Rey Arellano had little to report regarding the nationwide search for a new chief of Austin-Travis County Emergency Services. At Monday’s commission meeting, Arellano reported there were…
