The Historic Landmark Commission grappled with its own limitations this past Monday as it oversaw the outcome of two Clarksville demolition cases with palpable disappointment. The two homes, located at 1805 Waterston Ave. and 1104 Toyath St., are both contributing properties in the Clarksville National Register historic district whose owners seek to replace them with […]
Kali Bramble
Posted inBudget
AISD sets lowest tax rate in 20 years, prepares for challenges ahead
Austin Independent School District’s Board of Trustees ended this week’s voting meeting on a bold note, adopting the lowest property tax rate the district has seen in 20 years. In the 2022 fiscal year, taxpayers will pay $1.0617 per $100 in property value toward AISD’s budget, a reduction from last year’s rate by 4 cents. […]
Posted inDevelopment
The conversation continues over environmental impact of Brodie Oaks development
Last Wednesday, the Environmental Commission revisited a conversation about the Brodie Oaks planned unit development that began back in March. The PUD, which would encompass a 37.6-acre tract of land on the corner of South Lamar Boulevard and South Capital of Texas Highway, must exceed certain environmental standards in order to secure the commission’s recommendation before […]
Posted inEnvironment
Watershed strategic plan revisions on the way
The Environmental Commission heard the first of many presentations last Wednesday as the Watershed Protection Department begins its effort to comprehensively rewrite its strategic plan for the first time since 2001. The strategic plan update is a three-year outreach process that would prioritize the input of historically underserved groups in reshaping the department’s approach to determining […]
Posted inDevelopment
Shoal Creek/Third Street redesign aims to create greener, safer spaces downtown
The Urban Transportation Commission’s hefty meeting agenda on Sept. 7 included a proposal to significantly redesign the heavily trafficked area of downtown surrounding the intersection of Third Street and Shoal Creek Trail. The Cypress and Shoal Creek Public Space Strategy, a joint effort between the Downtown Austin Alliance, Shoal Creek Conservancy and the city of […]
Posted inAustin
City’s HEAL team moves four encampments to bridge shelters
In the wake of the reinstated camping ban this past May, stakes have risen considerably for those at the helm of the effort to rehouse Austin’s homeless population. Nonetheless, Project HEAL – the Homeless Encampment Assistance Link – which City Council adopted back in February, has moved full speed ahead with its plans to rehouse […]
Posted inParks
The future of Hancock Golf Course remains unknown
The Parks and Recreation Board revisited the discussion about the fate of the Hancock Golf Course Tuesday while reviewing an extensive survey of public opinion on the matter. Anthony Segura, a parks department assistant director, and Kevin Gomillion, who manages Golf Operations, presented the results of the two-week survey, which was conducted by the city […]
Posted inParks
Parks board to reconsider Zilker alcohol sales
The Parks and Recreation Board revisited its decision regarding the controversial permit to sell alcohol at Zilker Cafe this past Tuesday, following concerns over the legitimacy of its original vote on the issue back in June. After a convoluted discussion between board members, PARD Director Kimberly McNeeley and Assistant City Attorney Chad Shaw, Chair Dawn […]
Posted inPreservation
Landmark commission weighs options in Tarrytown demolition case
At last month’s meeting of the Historic Landmark Commission, committee members confronted both the evolving definition of what constitutes “cultural significance” and the bounds of their responsibility to those personally affected by their decisions. Representative of this dilemma was the committee’s review of an application for the demolition of an 81-year-old home located at 3400 […]