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Parks board again rejects proposal to sell alcohol at Zilker Cafe
The issue of alcohol sales at Zilker Cafe made its third and final appearance before the Parks and Recreation Board on Tuesday, with board members delivering a decisive 8-1 vote against recommending the proposal, given the cafe’s proximity – about…
Parks • By Amy Smith • Sep 30, 2021
Suit over land use rules set for argument at Court of Appeals
More than a year and a half after Travis County District Judge Jan Soifer ruled in favor of neighborhood plaintiffs and overturned Austin’s efforts to enact a new Land Development Code, the case will be heard by the 14th Court…
Courts • By Jo Clifton • Sep 30, 2021
Clarksville demolition cases reveal challenges faced by preservationists
The Historic Landmark Commission grappled with its own limitations this past Monday as it oversaw the outcome of two Clarksville demolition cases with palpable disappointment. The two homes, located at 1805 Waterston Ave. and 1104 Toyath St., are both contributing…
Preservation • By Kali Bramble • Sep 30, 2021
Climate Equity Plan proposes speeding up net-zero emissions goal to 2040
Austin’s much-anticipated Climate Equity Plan was presented to City Council on Tuesday morning after almost two years of hard work and delay. The city’s last climate action plan was adopted in June 2015, with the intention of updating it every…
Environment • By Willow Higgins • Sep 30, 2021
Firefighters considering whether to oppose Prop A
Austin firefighters are considering whether to oppose Proposition A, a proposal on the Nov. 2 ballot that would require the city of Austin to spend between $54 million and $119 million more on police officers each year, according to Austin’s…
Bonds & Propositions • By Jo Clifton • Sep 29, 2021
Austin, Travis County move back to Stage 4 Covid-19 guidelines
Austin-Travis County health officials have scaled back their Covid-19 risk-based guidelines to Stage 4 as cases and hospitalizations have steadily decreased. Dr. Desmar Walkes, Austin-Travis County health authority, credits mitigation efforts such as masking and vaccinations for the improvements. “The behaviors that…
Public Health • By Alejandro Martínez-Cabrera, KUT • Sep 29, 2021
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Updated: Vocal Thomas Springs residents oppose expanding street
At Tuesday’s meeting of the Travis County Commissioners Court, local community members expressed their outrage over the Thomas Springs Road development –specifically, the plan to significantly widen the road for the stated purpose of making room for bike lanes. The…
Planning • By Seth Smalley • Sep 29, 2021
Project Connect panel looks at planning, equity concerns attached to transit system
With the city and county moving forward on the assortment of transit and community development projects included in Project Connect, leaders involved want community members to realize the many other public and private interests that play into the multibillion-dollar effort.…
Transit • By Chad Swiatecki • Sep 29, 2021
Capital Metro's driver shortage continues
At Monday’s meeting of the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board of Directors, members discussed the transit agency’s critical scarcity of bus drivers. “As this board has been previously briefed, we are experiencing a significant shortage of bus operators,” said Dottie…
Transit • By Seth Smalley • Sep 28, 2021
Report pushes police to improve training, communication with disabled Austinites
A new report based on feedback from residents with disabilities calls on the Austin Police Department to make improvements to its training and practices concerning interactions with residents experiencing mental health issues, hearing loss or other disabilities. The report comes…
Police • By Chad Swiatecki • Sep 28, 2021
City reaches halfway milestone on bike network buildout
This month marked a big milestone for cycling in Austin: The city’s All Ages and Abilities Bicycle Network reached its halfway completion point, making getting places by bike more comfortable and convenient. So far, the AAA network includes 215 miles…
Bicycles • By Jonathan Lee • Sep 28, 2021
AISD sets lowest tax rate in 20 years, prepares for challenges ahead
Austin Independent School District’s Board of Trustees ended this week’s voting meeting on a bold note, adopting the lowest property tax rate the district has seen in 20 years. In the 2022 fiscal year, taxpayers will pay $1.0617 per $100…
