Stories by Kimberly Reeves
Council rejects Pemberton McMansion appeal
The City Council has denied the appeal of a decision from the Residential Design and Compatibility Commission on a so-called McMansion duplex case, a case that emphasized how subjective some commission choices can be. Owners Betty Trent and Jeff Barger…
Uncategorized • By Kimberly Reeves • Jun 6, 2011
Council rezones annexed property over objections by neighbors
Council unanimously sided with a long-time business on Corral Lane last week, agreeing to re-zone annexed property for a commercial use over the objections of some neighbors. The case reflected many of the issues currently in contention, and under review,…
Uncategorized • By Kimberly Reeves • Jun 1, 2011
Oak Hill plan amendment put on hold after neighbor’s complaint
The Planning Commission this week chose to put an Oak Hill plan amendment on hold after a last-minute protest from a neighboring landowner over an existing easement. Agent Ron Thrower, with the blessing of the local contact team, asked…
Uncategorized • By Kimberly Reeves • May 27, 2011
Planning Commission subcommittee studies reviewing staff variances
A Planning Commission subcommittee appeared ready to move forward with a review of current administrative variances, although it may take a couple of months to define which cases will get the additional scrutiny of the commission. Staff’s administrative variances…
Uncategorized • By Kimberly Reeves • May 24, 2011
Senate to reconsider bill that takes aim at Austin’s tree ordinance
After passing a bill with an amendment that few apparently understood on Wednesday, the Texas Senate is set to reconsider a bill today that could have a serious effect on the city’s efforts to regulate water quality in Austin’s extra-territorial…
Uncategorized • By Kimberly Reeves • May 20, 2011
County panel on tax abatements gets extension, additional tasks
Travis County Commissioners, who were slated to make a decision on tax exemptions for historic properties on Tuesday, instead postponed the vote until early July and added a new varied list of tasks to for the Local Tax Working Group…
Uncategorized • By Kimberly Reeves • May 19, 2011
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Waterfront board considers guidelines for Lady Bird Lake overlay
The city’s Waterfront Planning Advisory Board began work on decisions that will impact every property within the Lady Bird Lake waterfront overlay this week. Those include decisions about height allowances and additional concessions that developers could use to seek…
Uncategorized • By Kimberly Reeves • May 12, 2011
Proposed Senate map would further divide Travis County
A new map of the state Senate districts unveiled Wednesday draws and quarters Travis County the same way as a controversial proposed Congressional map. Travis County is currently split between Austin Democrat Kirk Watson and San Antonio Republican Jeff…
Uncategorized • By Kimberly Reeves • May 12, 2011
Commission seeks more input on administrative approval cases
At least one recent case has left some Planning Commission members wondering whether they should take a more careful look at administrative approvals that lack commission input or review. Various city actions on plats, plans and subdivisions are placed…
Uncategorized • By Kimberly Reeves • May 2, 2011
Worried owners say historic homes may not be worth the price
Some owners of properties deemed historic by the city are beginning to doubt whether Austin’s historic landmark ordinance and its rebates are worth the effort. Proposed revisions to the city historic landmark ordinance will go to Council this week,…
Uncategorized • By Kimberly Reeves • Apr 26, 2011
Urban Board agrees to study future uses for Block 18
The Urban Renewal Board, mired in a number of months of inactivity and low on members, did manage a discussion Monday night that could move the 1100 block of East 11th Street (Block 18) forward toward a temporary use. …
Uncategorized • By Kimberly Reeves • Apr 20, 2011
Workman bill would force single-member districts on Austin
The idea of single-member districts might not have gained a lot of momentum since 2008 when a split City Council decided to put off another election on the matter, but Rep. Paul Workman (R-Austin) is ready to force the change.…
