Elizabeth Pagano

The first test of the redevelopment exception in the Barton Springs Zone had a difficult time at the Zoning and Platting Commission Tuesday night, despite claims that it went well beyond the requirements of the exemption.   “This is a significantly less intense project than what was previously approved for the site. Previously a large […]

Divisions within some Austin communities came to light last week – even before any lines are drawn on a map – during a briefing and discussion on redistricting as it applies to single-member districts.   Council Member Sheryl Cole continued to express concern about the impact of single-member districts on the African-American community.   Austin’s […]

A structural condition assessment of Barton Springs Dam released last week shows large cracks in the lower dam that need to be repaired “as soon as possible.”   The Parks and Recreation Board and Environmental Board Joint Committee heard a summary of the study, which was started last September. Though Datum Engineers found the dams […]

The large crowd that showed up to hear the briefing on social service contracts at Council Thursday morning had diminished to about a dozen people by the time it was presented, nearly nine hours after the scheduled time.   Earlier this week, a presentation of results from the request for proposal process designed to determine […]

A dispute over a proposed 12-foot fence was just one of many concerns raised about “tobacco shop” Planet K and its adjoining properties on East Cesar Chavez at the Board of Adjustment meeting on Monday night.   “This variance is part of a much larger question about what’s going on in those properties,” said neighbor […]

The Environmental Board helped advance long-delayed development of a proposed wedding and retreat center at 10140 and 10300 Old San Antonio Road last week. The board gave their seal of approval to environmental variances first granted by City Council in 2004.   In 1997, the city annexed the property. Seven years later, Council approved the […]

The Zoning and Platting Commission delayed passage of an ordinance initiated by the Planning Commission, opting instead to form a short-term work group to answer the many questions raised at Tuesday night’s meeting.   The ordinance would amend the city code to allow the City Council or Land Use Commission to initiate single zoning cases […]

A rundown on state legislative matters at the Travis County Commissioners Court became a heated discussion last week, when Pct. 1 Commissioner Ron Davis brought up Rep. Eddie Rodriguez’ Homestead Preservation District Bill, reinvigorating an ongoing debate.   In 2005, Rodriguez authored legislation to help create an East Austin Homestead Preservation District. The district would […]

It took a bit of brainstorming but the Zoning and Platting Commission did find a way to help a South Austin business threatened with closure by city rules.   CG& S Construction has operated at 402 Corral Lane since 1963. Stella and Clarence Guerrero purchased the property in 1959 and founded the business. They later […]

With accusations about the homeless ruining the historic Norwood house and accosting elderly ladies, and worries about closing the dog park and eliminating public access, the process to renovate Norwood Park got off to a spirited start last week.   The Parks and Recreation Department is paying CasaBella Architects $105,137 for feasibility planning on the […]

A parade of representatives from neighboring homeowners’ associations spoke against a proposed left turn lane on FM 2222 in north Austin at the Zoning and Platting Commission last week. It was the latest chapter in the ongoing saga of the Champion sisters, who have battled the city for the past 20 years over issues related […]

At today’s meeting, the City Council is set to consider changes to an ordinance that would require owners of certain apartment complexes to dramatically reduce their energy consumption.   The Energy Conservation Audit and Disclosure ordinance originally required highest-energy-use multifamily residences to reduce consumption by 20 percent within 18 months. However, Council delayed voting on […]