Mark Richardson

Members of the point-of-sale task force will miss a June deadline to report to City Council on a list of possible environmental upgrades for Austin residences, after running into a wave of criticism in recent weeks. That information was part of a report from Task Force Member Richard Amato to the Resource Management Commission this […]

With almost no public debate, Council members voted Wednesday to select a consortium led by mega-developer Trammell Crow to develop the land where the Green Water Treatment Plant and the Austin Energy Control Center now sit. The vote authorizes city staff to begin negotiations with Trammell Crow for the sale of the property, along with […]

After months of negotiations, the City of Austin and the Lower Colorado River Authority are closer to determining the route of the Friendship to Manchaca Transmission Line, crossing the recharge zone of Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer.   After hearing a report on the project, the Environmental Board last week expressed its preference for which route […]

Few argue with Austin’s need for affordable housing, but when it comes down to deciding where to put it, the problems begin. Planning Commission members agonized over just such a decision Tuesday night, but in the end voted to approve zoning to allow a low-income complex on Manor Road over the strenuous objection of area […]

Drought season is upon us, but if you think that this year’s drought will be same as others in past years, think again. Local agencies such as the Lower Colorado River Authority, the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District and the City of Austin have taken steps recently to increase water conservation and cut waste. […]

An ordinance designed to help an aging population stay in their homes despite the difficulties that frequently come with increased age is drawing criticism from the local homebuilders association because it will increase the cost of new homes. But the most costly items will likely not take effect until stakeholders can agree, according to the […]

When there is a medical emergency, it is good to know that Austin-Travis County has one of the highest rated Emergency Medical Services in the country.  However, shock may set in a few weeks later when the bill arrives for the ambulance. The cost can run to more than $1,200.   City officials are now […]

Some errors in this story have been corrected.–Editor.   The Place 4 City Council runoff election finally has an issue – and just in time for the June 14 election. The clash comes over the alleged existence of an ordinance that would force Austin homeowners to make thousands of dollars of green upgrades to their […]

After some last-minute negotiations, the City Council agreed to rezone a pair of controversial tracts of land for development, but only after a battle among the neighborhood association, the developers and cycling proponents.   Formerly the site for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Warden Training Facility, the tracts in question are on 51st Street […]

Council members spent more than three hours hearing presentations from five bidders Thursday on plans to redevelop the Green Water Treatment Plant and the Austin Energy Control Center. However, complaints also surfaced over the amount of public input and transparency of the multimillion-dollar project.   Five firms, mostly consortiums assembled by large development firms, spent […]

More than two-thirds of Capital Metro’s 3,020 bus stops do not meet the minimum access standards set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act, according to the agency’s own staff. Figures released by Cap Metro Monday, show it will cost some $15 million over the next five years to bring all of the transportation agency’s […]

The Solid Waste Advisory Commission wants organizers of the city’s myriad fairs and festivals to keep it green. Commissioner Rick Cofer introduced a resolution Wednesday proposing an ordinance that would require most all events to make recycling bins available and use compost-friendly materials.   Cofer said he sees it as part of the city’s commitment […]