The Planning Commission recommended approval of an ordinance last Tuesday that would require park space in commercial developments or otherwise charge developers a fee to fund parks nearby. The purpose of the ordinance is to “account for the impact of job growth to our park system so that we’re keeping up proportionally with new parkland […]
Jonathan Lee
Posted inLand Development Code
New water quality rules aim to promote green infrastructure
In a presentation to the Environmental Commission last Wednesday, staffers from the Watershed Protection Department presented a bundle of code updates aimed at improving water quality and making drainage infrastructure more environmentally friendly. “We couldn’t be more excited about the potential impact of these updates on the future of Austin’s environmental resilience,” Environmental Officer Katie […]
Posted inHousing
Mayoral candidates outline plans to make housing more affordable
Since the pandemic began, most Austinites have felt the effects of increased rent, higher property taxes, or home prices growing increasingly out of reach. With rising costs forcing people out of their neighborhoods (or out of the city entirely), candidates hoping to become Austin’s next mayor in November agree that something has to be done […]
Posted inPolice
Public Safety Commission discusses APD’s protest response
The Public Safety Commission heard from the Austin Police Department Monday about how it responds to protests, including how it uses the LRAD, a powerful speaker that some fear could damage protesters’ and police officers’ hearing. APD Commander Corey Wroblewski described the basics of APD’s protest response in his presentation. How the police department responds to protests – or […]
Posted inPlanning
Council extends HealthSouth redevelopment negotiations
After a series of delays, the proposed redevelopment of two city-owned downtown parcels inched a step forward Thursday when City Council extended negotiations with developer Aspen Heights Partners. Aspen Heights plans to build 921 residential units, some affordable, in two towers on the former HealthSouth tract, which sits next to Waterloo Park at 1215 Red […]
Posted inWhispers
Planning Commission has ‘historic moment’
Discussions at the Planning Commission often stretch late into the evening and even, on occasion, past midnight. So it was remarkable when Chair Todd Shaw adjourned Tuesday’s meeting after barely half an hour. “This is kind of a historic moment,” Shaw said. “We don’t have any discussion cases.” The meeting was the shortest in (this […]
Posted inWhispers
Housing bond gets bigger
City Council will likely increase the size of a proposed affordable housing bond set to go before voters this November. On Tuesday, some Council members said they would rather see a $350 million bond – up from a previously proposed $300 million. Council members Leslie Pool, Vanessa Fuentes, Ann Kitchen, and Chito Vela said they would support the bigger bond, […]
Posted inPlanning
Workers Defense asks for construction standards on Statesman PUD
In anticipation of one of Austin’s next big construction projects, advocacy group Workers Defense Project demanded Tuesday morning that the redevelopment of the former Austin American-Statesman site at 305 S. Congress Ave. lead to safe and well-compensated construction jobs as well as on-site affordable housing. “This is a big investment that will be many, many […]
Posted inBonds & Propositions
Advocates, Council members rally behind affordable housing bond
Support for a potential $300 million affordable housing bond is growing. On Thursday, housing advocates and politicians launched a campaign to support the bond, which they say is needed to address Austin’s housing crisis. “If we’re going to protect what is special and magical about this city, we have to protect and preserve the people […]
Posted inPlanning
Planning Commission recommends floodplain redevelopment changes
Despite lingering concerns, the Planning Commission on July 12 recommended a tweak to floodplain regulations that would allow existing businesses within the floodplain to rebuild without special permission from City Council. The rule change would give city staffers the power to approve redevelopment of existing commercial buildings in the floodplain if they are rebuilt to […]
Posted inDevelopment
Planning Commission postpones decision on parkland fees for commercial development
Should new commercial developments contribute land and/or money for new parks? If so, how? These were the questions the Planning Commission considered last Tuesday related to a proposed rule that would make offices, retail, hotels and industrial buildings include on-site park space or pay a fee to fund new parks nearby. The push for commercial […]
Posted inElections
First financial reports offer a glimpse into City Council campaigns
It’s that time of year again. Candidates for city elections late last week shared how much money they’ve raised so far in accordance with the city’s campaign finance reporting deadline on July 15. Here, we’ll break down the results from every race. While a strong financial report doesn’t mean a candidate is bound to win […]