Stories by Josh Rosenblatt
Riley and Morrison dominate early endorsements
Last week the political season started in earnest, as Democratic organizations began passing out endorsements for City Council races. On Thursday evening, four groups — the Austin Tejano Democrats, Circle C Democrats, Capital Area Progressive Democrats, and South Austin Democrats…
Uncategorized • By Josh Rosenblatt • Mar 28, 2011
Council considers best practices for open government compliance
During this week’s work session, City Council sat down with representatives from the Law Department and outside counsel to get a better sense of what they can do to improve compliance with the state’s open records laws. And with complaints,…
Uncategorized • By Josh Rosenblatt • Mar 24, 2011
Health committee hears opening arguments in water fluoridation battle
Austin’s fight over fluoride has officially begun. Yesterday, City Council’s Public Health and Human Services Committee heard a presentation from city staff on public health issues related to the chemical and its use in Austin’s drinking water supply. The…
Uncategorized • By Josh Rosenblatt • Mar 23, 2011
Nuke developer cuts back work, staff on new units for South Texas Project
Nuclear Innovation North America LLC, the nuclear development company jointly owned by NRG Energy, Inc and Toshiba, announced Monday that it would be reducing the “scope of development at the South Texas Project expansion” in response to the recent nuclear…
Uncategorized • By Josh Rosenblatt • Mar 22, 2011
Council shows desire to use historic zoning process to address wrongs
Council members will be considering only one application for historic zoning this week – the Robert and Helena Ziller House on Edgecliff Terrace – but discussions about the city’s historic zoning program have raised issues in recent weeks about the…
Uncategorized • By Josh Rosenblatt • Mar 22, 2011
New NHCD director sees affordable housing as vital to Austin's growth
It used to be a chicken in every pot, but to Betsy Spencer it’s a roof over everyone’s head. Late last year, City Manager Marc Ott announced the appointment of Spencer to be the new director of the city’s…
Uncategorized • By Josh Rosenblatt • Mar 21, 2011
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Japan catastrophe amplifies local debate over expanded nuclear power
As Japanese officials struggle to contain fires and a potential core meltdown at the earthquake- and tsunami-damaged Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant, concerns about the safety of nuclear power have moved to center stage in Austin. And it’s possible that…
Uncategorized • By Josh Rosenblatt • Mar 16, 2011
Council votes to move forward with Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan
Council gave its approval Thursday to the city’s Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan, voting unanimously to endorse its framework and forward that plan and the plan’s preferred growth scenario to working groups. When completed, the growth scenario will provide a map…
Uncategorized • By Josh Rosenblatt • Mar 11, 2011
Role of cultural heritage in historic zoning up for Council consideration
Debate over an East Austin home once owned by the daughter of a prominent member of the city’s early Asian community could open up a new front in the battle over the city’s historic landmark process. When Council holds a…
Uncategorized • By Josh Rosenblatt • Mar 10, 2011
Council looks for answers to South Congress parking puzzle
Residents of the Bouldin Creek neighborhood and other residential areas around South Congress Avenue may soon get some relief for their parking woes. At yesterday’s City Council work session, Council members indicated that they would approve an ordinance tomorrow directing…
Uncategorized • By Josh Rosenblatt • Mar 9, 2011
Utility Commission wants to restrict AE revenue contributions
As Austin Energy prepares to raise its rates for the first time since 1994, the Electric Utility Commission is pushing to eliminate general city expenses from the utility’s 2012 budget. The biggest single expense in that category is funding for…
Uncategorized • By Josh Rosenblatt • Mar 3, 2011
AISD may restore historic landmark tax exemption
Despite a budget shortfall of approximately $100 million and the threat of job cuts and school closures, as the Austin Independent School District Board of Trustees meets tonight they will be considering reinstating tax breaks on historic properties. The proposal…
