Stories by Jessi Devenyns
Board of Adjustment calls retroactive variance request a 'cluster'
Although the structure at 1401 E. Third St. is already completed, it cannot pass final inspection due to encroachment into the property’s side setback. In an effort to avoid reconstructing the entire building, the applicant came before the Board of…
Land Development Code • By Jessi Devenyns • Jun 15, 2020
Updated: Travis County extends moratorium on evictions until July 25
In a new order issued Thursday, Travis County announced it will continue to push back issuing notices to vacate until July 25. This order is applicable countywide and includes the city of Austin. Previously, the county extended a similar order…
Travis County • By Jessi Devenyns • Jun 12, 2020
Travis County’s small business grant program to go live June 15
Small businesses have waited nearly a month and a half to apply for $10 million in grant money set aside for Travis County’s small business grant program, designed to help companies affected by the Covid-19 economic downturn. After weeks of planning…
Travis County • By Jessi Devenyns • Jun 10, 2020
Springdale Farm development proposal lacks support due to environmental concerns
For over a year, Austin developer StoryBuilt has worked with the Govalle neighborhood to design a site plan for the 4.8-acre site that operates as Springdale Farm and Eden East at 755 Springdale Road. While the overall design for a…
Development • By Jessi Devenyns • Jun 10, 2020
City reworks its Community Climate Plan through an equity lens
Five years ago, Austin’s Office of Sustainability began implementing its 2030 Community Climate Plan in order to work toward the city’s goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Now, the department is revising its plan to update metrics and…
Environment • By Jessi Devenyns • Jun 9, 2020
Travis County settles on $7.3M in direct assistance to smaller cities
Travis County will no longer be solely responsible for portioning out the $61.1 million to assist in disaster relief efforts during the pandemic. On June 2, the Commissioners Court unanimously voted to allocate $7.3 million, or $55 per Travis County…
Travis County • By Jessi Devenyns • Jun 8, 2020
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Parks board recommends moving forward with COTA development
The motor racing track Circuit of the Americas has long been known for big-name concerts and Formula 1 races. In the future, however, the development may become better known for its water park, parkland and residential uses. With 1,037 acres…
Development • By Jessi Devenyns • Jun 4, 2020
Travis County approves its first climate action plan
On Tuesday, the Travis County Commissioners Court unanimously approved a comprehensive climate action plan that outlines how to reduce the county’s environmental footprint through 82 recommendations. Commissioner Brigid Shea, who called the plan a “big deal,” told the Austin Monitor…
Environment • By Jessi Devenyns • Jun 3, 2020
Environmental Commission says Public Works project 'flies in the face' of environmental regulations
In order to create easy access and support increased traffic headed to a new Habitat for Humanity development in Southeast Austin, the Public Works Department is working on constructing a road that crosses a “classified waterway.” Under city code, a…
The Code • By Jessi Devenyns • Jun 2, 2020
Travis County considers direct financial allocations to smaller cities
Twenty-one municipalities in Travis County did not receive direct allocations of financial assistance either from the state or the federal government to help temper the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic. To help fund relief efforts for their residents, those…
Travis County • By Jessi Devenyns • May 29, 2020
Travis County to fund Las Lomitas pipeline
Las Lomitas, a subdivision of 30 homes in southeastern Travis County, has functioned for decades without access to water or wastewater service. Now Travis County, in partnership with Creedmoor-Maha Water Supply Company, a private water utility, is working to change…
Resources • By Jessi Devenyns • May 28, 2020
Historic Landmark Commission once again denies development proposal for Parker House
The family-owned Parker House sits on a 0.32-acre tract of land in West Campus that is worth $1.7 million. In an effort to preserve the historic home at 2404 Rio Grande St. and also develop the back portion of the…
