Stories by Jack Craver
On third try, Commissioners Court approves controversial RV park near Hamilton Pool
For the third time, about two dozen residents who live on or near Stagecoach Ranch Road came to plead with the Travis County Commissioners Court to block plans to build an RV park that would accommodate up to 80 vehicles.…
Planning • By Jack Craver • Dec 18, 2019
Residents near Hamilton Pool up in arms about proposed RV park
The Travis County Commissioners Court spent all morning Tuesday discussing a proposed RV park on Stagecoach Ranch Road in Southwest Travis County, near Hamilton Pool. The court still hasn’t come to a decision on the matter and will take it…
Development • By Jack Craver • Dec 5, 2019
Commissioners approve exemptions for RV development
The Travis County Commissioners Court said yes last week to a proposed RV park that was facilitated by an exemption to certain development regulations county staffers believe are not necessary for homes on wheels. “What we’re trying to recognize is…
Development • By Jack Craver • Dec 2, 2019
County hopes to block new waste facility in Northeast Austin
County leaders are unanimous in their hope that the Austin Community Landfill closes as soon as possible. They are united in their opposition to the landfill operator, Waste Management, adding a transfer station to the existing facility. It’s not clear…
Travis County • By Jack Craver • Nov 22, 2019
Eckhardt offers the city Palm School in exchange for expo center, hotel tax
Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt says that she and her colleagues on the Commissioners Court are willing to give away the Palm School to the city of Austin. But they want a couple of big things in return. In a…
Travis County • By Jack Craver • Nov 20, 2019
Exit Eckstein: Travis County's retiring lobbyist reflects on his battles at the Legislature
After 11 years, Deece Eckstein is calling it quits as Travis County’s top lobbyist. He recently told members of the Commissioners Court that he will retire from his position as the intergovernmental relations officer at the end of the year.…
Travis County • By Jack Craver • Nov 18, 2019
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Eckhardt hopes city will pare down convention center plans for sake of Expo Center
Travis County voters gave county government the go-ahead last week to rebuild the aging exposition center on Decker Lane, but it could be a decade before the project breaks ground. County Proposition A, which passed with 63 percent of the…
Elections • By Jack Craver • Nov 15, 2019
Travis County opts to 'Energize the Expo,' but it could be years away
Updated: 10:48 p.m.: Travis County voters have decided to energize the expo. More specifically, residents voted in favor of County Proposition A, which authorizes the county to levy up to a 2 percent tax on hotel guests to fund a…
Bonds & Propositions • By Jack Craver • Nov 6, 2019
Travis County leaders defend bail practices
For years, Travis County leaders have touted the county’s progressive bail policies, which allow a large percentage of the accused to get out of jail without posting a cash bond. Each person who is booked into jail on a charge…
Public Safety • By Jack Craver • Nov 1, 2019
Court approves Palm School protections but future of property uncertain
The Travis County Commissioners Court easily approved a set of restrictive covenants aimed at preserving the Palm School building if the county sells the property that is home to the historic structure. The court voted 4-1 in favor of a…
Preservation • By Jack Craver • Oct 30, 2019
County hears pleas to preserve all of Palm School property
The future of the Palm School property remains unclear after a public hearing where activists implored the Travis County Commissioners Court not to sell any part of the land to a private developer. While the court voted unanimously in June…
Preservation • By Jack Craver • Oct 23, 2019
Expo center supporters hope voters don't confuse the two different Prop A's
Ballot propositions can often be confusing – especially when there are multiple propositions with the same name. This is exactly what concerns those campaigning for Travis County Proposition A. The measure they support would authorize the county to levy a…
