Getting a property zoned historic when the owner opposes it requires a supermajority vote at City Council. Yet even getting such a case before Council is an endeavor that requires the support of the Historical Landmark and Planning commissions. Prior to September of this year, that support could come in the form of a simple […]
Jessi Devenyns
Posted inPreservation
Historic Herrera homestead heads to Council with Planning Commission approval
It’s rare that a structure is zoned historic against an owner’s wishes. According to Preservation Austin, it has happened only three times since 1974; however, that number may be about to grow to four. Following in the footsteps of the Historic Landmark Commission, which unanimously recommended the Herrera house at 1805 E. Third St. for […]
Posted inPreservation
Historic Landmark Commission contemplates bending rules for influential Mexican American activist
Sometimes a house is more than a home. In the case of Edward Rendon Sr., his home served as a community center that some say is as meaningful to the neighborhood today as it was 40 years ago. Rendon was an activist who fought for the East Austin Latino community and helped, among other things, […]
Posted inWhispers
WWII vet’s home may become historic landmark
At the time Richard Overton died last year, he was the oldest living World War II veteran in the U.S. and the third-oldest man on the planet. He had been living in the same East Austin home he’d built decades before in 1948. “His last final wish was that he wanted his home to become […]
Posted inPreservation
Masonic Lodge construction plans may never satisfy Historic Landmark Commission
For three months in a row, the Historic Landmark Commission has made it clear that the design for a modern addition to the Royal Arch Masonic Lodge on the corner of Seventh and Lavaca streets will not easily get its seal of approval. After attending each full meeting as well as the monthly Certificate of […]
Posted inWhispers
Decision on 1880 West Campus home postponed
As West Campus changes at a dramatic clip, glimpses of its past still remain. One of those windows into the past is a small folk Victorian at 704 W. 22nd St. that was built in 1880 by a local grocer. Although almost 140 years old, the home is “remarkably intact,” Historic Preservation Officer Steve Sadowsky […]
Posted inCity Council
Community concerns with teeth: Council postpones vote on animal-related code changes
Austin is the largest no-kill city in the country and residents would like to keep it that way. Yet some have expressed concern that maintaining the animal shelter’s no-kill status could come at the expense of community safety. Although much of the draft code changes remain uncontroversial and there is support for the current draft […]
Posted inPlanning
Planning Commission endorses West Campus density
When the University Neighborhood Overlay (UNO) was established in 2004, the idea spurring its creation was to increase housing opportunities for students in an area close to classrooms and campus life. In the 15 years since, the need for affordable student housing in West Campus has only continued to grow. While there is no one-size-fits-all […]
Posted inPublic Safety
Should hotel taxes and festival fees contribute to public safety coffers?
Austin’s festivals are most certainly a tourist attraction. But does that mean the public safety costs associated with those events should be financed through money earmarked for arts and tourism? With Council’s vote to raise the Hotel Occupancy Tax by 2 cents on Aug. 8, this question returned for debate at the Public Safety Commission […]
Posted inPlanning
Environmental Commission recommends Council include Atlas 14 update in code rewrite
Atlas 14 is a historical rainfall study that alters the city’s flood plains drastically, showing that Austin is projected to receive a 30 percent increase in rainfall. Nevertheless, the study is not something that can change development on its own. To ensure that the updated Atlas 14 maps are considered during any development and redevelopment […]
Posted inDevelopment
Planning Commission recommends Taco PUD redesign
After a lengthy discussion surrounding the redesign of the South Lamar planned unit development – known as the Taco PUD for its location on the site of the former Taco Cabana at 211 South Lamar Blvd. – the Planning Commission unanimously recommended the changes to City Council. The project went through a lengthy and contentious […]
Posted inEnvironment
Environmental Commission discusses how to make the Heritage Tree Ordinance even more tree-centric
Austin values its trees. According to the city arborist’s office, trees are a $16 billion asset to the community. In 1982, in an effort to better protect its trees, Austin implemented its inaugural tree ordinance, which was unique both then and now for its preservation-first approach. Since then, the city has evolved, and so have […]