Stories by Jonathan Lee
Windsor Park multifamily rezoning fuels heated discussion at Planning Commission
After a controversial discussion, the Planning Commission recommended a rezoning in Windsor Park that would allow a 34-unit multifamily project to move forward. The project sits on a 0.86-acre vacant lot at 6305 Berkman Drive. The property owner requests a…
Zoning • By Jonathan Lee • Jan 13, 2023
Zoning change to allow taller towers in the Domain
A proposed zoning change would allow buildings in and around the Domain to rise as high as many downtown towers, solidifying the area’s status as Austin’s unofficial second downtown. The zoning change, initiated in September by the Planning Commission, would…
Planning • By Jonathan Lee • Jan 10, 2023
Zoning changes show downtown northwest quadrant changing
With its collection of mostly historic homes-turned-offices, downtown’s northwest corner can often feel like a ghost town, at least compared to the rest of downtown. But a flurry of development activity over the past two years is set to make…
Development • By Jonathan Lee • Jan 6, 2023
Alter highlights efforts to make Austin more resilient
After a tumultuous few years, Mayor Pro Tem Alison Alter has focused this year on making sure the city is able to weather whatever future shocks may lie ahead, be they public health emergencies, natural disasters or economic distress. “I’ve…
City Council • By Jonathan Lee • Dec 29, 2022
Ellis to push for more progress on housing in 2023
Fresh off the heels of a decisive reelection win, City Council Member Paige Ellis is ready to hit the ground running in 2023 with initiatives related to housing, transportation and workforce retention. Ellis won reelection with 58 percent of the…
City Council • By Jonathan Lee • Dec 28, 2022
Mackenzie Kelly: ‘Hyper-focused on public safety’ in 2023
Over Mackenzie Kelly’s two years as City Council’s lone conservative, she has made a point of finding common ground with those she often disagrees with and avoiding the charged rhetoric employed by politicians at the state and national level. “That’s…
City Council • By Jonathan Lee • Dec 27, 2022
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Environmental groups, neighbors rally against proposed concert venue
A coalition of environmental groups last week announced its opposition to a proposed 5,000-seat concert venue at 14820 Fitzhugh Road, near Dripping Springs. The coalition, Stop Fitzhugh Concert Venue, says it’s concerned about negative impacts the venue might bring to…
Hays County • By Jonathan Lee • Dec 21, 2022
Council responds to report finding 'affordable' condos aren't always affordable
City Council approved a resolution on Dec. 8 addressing barriers to affordable condo ownership, acting on findings from a report by the University of Texas School of Law that expensive condo fees and improper property tax assessments can push below-market…
Housing • By Jonathan Lee • Dec 15, 2022
Massive mixed-use development on South Congress gets go-ahead from ZAP
The Zoning and Platting Commission recommended a rezoning Tuesday for a 43-acre property at 7900 S. Congress Ave. to make way for a huge mixed-use development. The project includes 1,218 multifamily units – at least 5 percent of them affordable…
Zoning • By Jonathan Lee • Dec 13, 2022
Council to establish consistent practices for redeveloping city-owned land
City Council passed multiple resolutions this month aimed at guiding how the city manages the land it owns, particularly with an eye toward creating more affordable housing and other community benefits. On Dec. 1, Council passed four resolutions, all sponsored…
Planning • By Jonathan Lee • Dec 12, 2022
Extended Statesman PUD deliberations end in approval
After years of discussions, City Council approved a redevelopment plan Friday for one of the city’s most prominent tracts of land – the 19-acre lakefront property at 305 S. Congress Ave., formerly home to the Austin American-Statesman. Approval of Planned…
City Council • By Jonathan Lee • Dec 6, 2022
Council enacts stronger wage theft protections
City Council unanimously passed an ordinance Thursday to help prevent wage theft by employers. “Violation of wage laws harms workers and their families,” said Council Member Ann Kitchen, who sponsored a resolution initiating the ordinance. “This ordinance helps ensure they…
