Outside of California, the Austin metro area is one of the regions in the country most vulnerable to wildfire. According to CoreLogic’s 2019 Wildfire Risk Report, the metropolitan area has the fifth-highest risk in the nation for a major wildfire incident. But that’s not news to city leaders or the Fire Department. Since the Bastrop […]
Jessi Devenyns
Posted inWhispers
Preserving the night sky in Austin
Most evenings in Central Texas, the sky transforms into the legendary violet crown before falling into darkness. Although humans wait for the beauty of the sunset, it is the darkness that animals need, according to Cliff Kaplan of the Hill Country Alliance. “All of the creatures of Central Texas rely on dark nights. That’s what […]
Posted inPreservation
HLC debates ‘original character’ in Smoot-Terrace Park
In the city of Austin, a home is considered historic if it meets several criteria, among them being at least 50 years old. Thanks to the timeline associated with its remodeling choices, the home at 607 Oakland Ave. qualified twice over. The home is part of the Smoot-Terrace Park Historic District located off West Sixth […]
Posted inWhispers
ZAP sends recommendations to Council with displacement mitigation strategies
After the Zoning and Platting Commission engaged in a lengthy discussion about displacement mitigation strategies in Austin at its January meeting, members returned Feb. 4 to present a list of recommendations for Council to develop additional solutions. The lengthy list fell into two categories: increasing funding and measuring program performance. While the recommendation called to […]
Posted inEMS
Austin EMS union outlines effects of high call volume and sick leave policies
In recent months, Austin Emergency Medical Services has implemented new policies to improve the lives of its medics. The department has adjusted its start times to be on a more natural wake-up schedule and has instated a new code for medics to call in the event of an assault, resulting in faster response times from […]
Posted inLand Development Code
BoA: We don’t ‘pre-clear’ cases
Obtaining a variance from city code is a multi-step process that can require applicants to visit various boards or commissions that weigh in with their expertise on aspects of a development project. In other cases, an applicant only comes before the Board of Adjustment to make their case for a variance. This process caused concern […]
Posted inDevelopment
HLC discusses when historic zoning should be removed from a property
The Reuter House, a National Register historic home, has perched atop a hill overlooking a substantial lot in Travis Heights since 1934. Seven years ago, the back portion of the lot was subdivided and three lots were sold to new owners to eventually become the Mariposa Development. Yet while the lots no longer belong to […]
Posted inWhispers
Public Safety Commission elects new chair
With the departure of Ed Scruggs, the Public Safety Commission was left without a permanent chair at its February reunion. On Monday, former chair Rebecca Webber led the meeting, and one of the first items of business she brought before the body was the election of a new chair. She nominated Commissioner Meghan Hollis, saying […]
Posted inPolice
Community reacts to APD racial profiling study at Public Safety Commission
Last week, a report from the city’s Office of Police Oversight, Office of Innovation, and Equity Office showed that black and Hispanic drivers are more likely to be stopped in their vehicles by Austin police than white and Asian drivers. Following the release of the report, the Public Safety Commission heard from the community and […]
Posted inPlanning
Republic Square Salt & Time sign takes more time
Republic Square is one of the original squares in the city of Austin, but it has long been an underutilized spot in the city center. In an effort to activate the space, the city has worked for the past few years to revitalize the park, and this year, there will be another addition to the […]
Posted inWhispers
APD selects new assistant chief
The Austin Police Department has selected a new assistant chief from within its ranks to replace former Assistant Chief Justin Newsom. Robin Henderson, a 22-year veteran of the department, was promoted this week to the position from executive lieutenant. Police Chief Brian Manley introduced Henderson to the Public Safety Commission at its Feb. 3 meeting, […]
Posted inWhispers
Architect modifies plans at HLC’s request
A case to alter the 1910 home at 1215 W. Ninth St., located in the West Line Historic District, came before the Historic Landmark Commission on Jan. 27. The proposal entailed a rehabilitation of the home that would remove the porte-cochere in front and add a one-story rear addition with a roof deck. Kevin Sims, […]