The city’s decision to pursue an alternative relocation spot for Austin Municipal Court has resulted in a lawsuit from an Austin developer who this spring appeared to have the real estate deal in the bag. The Austin Business Journal reports that Met Center Partners-11 Ltd. – an entity controlled by Zydeco Development Corp. – filed […]
2018
Posted inZoning
Council approves 18 townhouses in Northeast Austin
In spite of opposition from neighbors who fear flooding and increased traffic, at its Nov. 15 meeting City Council overwhelmingly approved a rezoning to allow the construction of 18 new homes on a vacant lot at 10300 Dessau Road. The site was previously zoned Family Residence, or SF-3, which allows the type of single-family homes […]
Posted inWhispers
It’s (almost) official
Though our local elections are now a distant memory, the results of the November 2018 election won’t be officially official until today, when City Council convenes at 2 p.m. to canvass the results and set the runoff election for Dec. 11. There’s only the slightest hope for drama, but the Monitor will tune in nonetheless. […]
Posted inPlanning
Austin explores options for new pedestrian bridge over Lady Bird Lake
There are enjoyable ways to walk or bike across Lady Bird Lake, but the Pleasant Valley Bridge is not one of them. A narrow sidewalk, a chain-link fence and low guardrails are all features that make the East Austin crossing unsafe. For years, the city has floated ideas to improve the crossing, with no results. […]
Posted inWhispers
Commissioners Court canceled
The Travis County Commissioners Court weekly voting session is canceled for Tuesday, Nov. 20. The next voting session will be held Tuesday, Nov. 27, at 9 a.m. in the Travis County Administration Building at 700 Lavaca St. Commissioners Court voting sessions are held every Tuesday and are open to the public. Agenda items and more […]
Posted inCity Hall
Ethics Review Commission declines to weigh in on city anti-discrimination and harassment policy
City Council recently asked the Ethics Review Commission to review its proposed amendments to the anti-discrimination/anti-harassment portion of the City Code, which includes language such as “No City official or employee shall engage in conduct or use language that is offensive, harassing, sexually suggestive, or hostile.” Last Wednesday night, the ethics commission debated whether Council’s […]
Posted inAustin
City seeks grants, partnerships to implement tech solutions for homeless
The city’s Innovation Office has applied for a $400,000 grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, with the goal of directing the money toward implementing a suite of blockchain technology solutions to help the city’s homeless population. The grant application is the next biggest hope for continued progress for the apps and digital platforms created […]
Posted inWhispers
City to be closed for business over Thanksgiving holiday
All city administrative offices and municipal facilities will be closed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 22-23, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Residential waste pickup services will take place one day later than usual. The public library will be closed Thursday and Friday and will reopen Saturday for normal business hours. All city recreation, nature, history […]
Posted inZoning
Berkman zoning sparks quiet argument
Council Member Ora Houston joined her colleagues Thursday in a unanimous vote to rezone properties on Berkman Drive, but she was clearly conflicted about it. The decision will allow a developer to build 40 rental units and assorted retail in the middle of a residential block. Houston said she was concerned that development of the property, […]
Posted inWhispers
Airport relocates pickup spot for taxis, ride-share apps
The pickup location for taxis, ride-share apps and off-site rental car drop-offs at Austin-Bergstrom airport has been moved to the ground level of the rental car facility, just past the parking garage. Relocating these services is projected to reduce traffic congestion at the airport by 3,700 vehicles a day. The new location features a dedicated […]
Posted inWhispers
Capital Metro releases Thanksgiving schedule
This Thursday, the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority will be be operating on its Sunday service schedule in observance of Thanksgiving Day. The Turkey Trot will necessitate detours on several routes; see an overview of service disruptions here. Routes 1, 7, 20 and 801 offer access to the starting point of the race. There will be […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
With $12M for creative spaces, arts/music group starts shaping allocation process
With $12 million for acquisition of creative space approved by voters earlier this month, members of the city’s music and arts commissions will spend the rest of November generating ideas for how to best use the money for saving and adding arts spaces all over the city. A working group made up of members of […]