Stories by Ramon Ramirez
Waller Creek development could put Red River music district in jeopardy
The Red River District is a creative hub within Austin’s live music scene, but an imminent swell of development could change that. The Waller Creek Tunnel is scheduled for a late 2014 completion, and over the next decade the surface…
Uncategorized • By Ramon Ramirez • May 20, 2013
Initiatives would help music venues, downtown residents better coexist
Two new sound initiatives will go to Council next week. The Austin Music Commission approved language Tuesday for the creation of a new program and ordinance – the Music Venue Assistance Micro Loan Program and the Good Neighbor Policy –…
Uncategorized • By Ramon Ramirez • May 17, 2013
Street performers ask Music Commission to help redesign busking laws
Austin street musicians are pushing back at the Live Music Capital of the World’s strict busking laws. A new report from the Austin Music Commission’s Musicians Working Group surveyed about 200 local musicians, and 75 percent of respondents expressed a…
Uncategorized • By Ramon Ramirez • May 13, 2013
Proposed changes put completion of Riverside Plan in jeopardy
The East Riverside Corridor Regulating Plan could be facing major, last-minute changes that could take the years-in-the-making project back to the drawing board. Council Member Chris Riley is working up a punch list of adjustments for Thursday’s Council meeting that…
Uncategorized • By Ramon Ramirez • May 8, 2013
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Eckhardt aims to become first woman to serve as Travis County Judge
Precinct 2 Travis County Commissioner Sarah Eckhardt says she is counting on hard work, experience and her political heritage in her upcoming run to become Travis County Judge in 2014. “I will run full tilt and full time to lead…
Uncategorized • By Ramon Ramirez • May 2, 2013
Leffingwell, civic groups urge voters to back AISD bond package
With early voting for the May 11 elections underway, Mayor Lee Leffingwell, backed by Austin Independent School District officials, members of the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, Education Austin, Greater Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and parents, Tuesday urged voters to…
Uncategorized • By Ramon Ramirez • May 1, 2013
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Watershed Protection Department plans higher fees, new staff in 2014
The Watershed Protection Department is proposing an 85-cent monthly increase per household on drainage fees, as well as 10 new full-time positions dedicated to the implementation of the Waller Creek Tunnel project for the FY 2014 budget. Members of he…
Uncategorized • By Ramon Ramirez • May 1, 2013
CAMPO group wants urban rail issue placed on November 2014 ballots
As part of a wider discussion about a pending interlocal rail agreement, Council members received an urban rail update during their Tuesday work session. There, Mayor Lee Leffingwell detailed imminent plans from CAMPO’s Transit Working Group, which he chairs. “Informally…
Uncategorized • By Ramon Ramirez • Apr 25, 2013
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Two Austin non-profits vie for same chunk of city budget
Two non-profits, Austin Playhouse and Skillpoint Alliance, ended up fighting each other last week for the same city funds. But city staff is working on a solution that may allow them to share. Last week, Mayor Lee Leffingwell introduced…
Uncategorized • By Ramon Ramirez • Apr 18, 2013
Legislation could limit Austin's tree ordinances
Two bills pending before the Texas Legislature could have a dramatic effect on the future of Austin’s trees. House Bill 1377, carried by Rep. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, would recognize all Texas landowner’s trees as “real property,” thereby undercutting state municipalities’ existing…
Uncategorized • By Ramon Ramirez • Apr 12, 2013
Council members grant short-term cemetery services contract
A skeptical Council Member Kathie Tovo peppered Parks and Recreation Department staff with questions last week, prior to Council’s authorizing an emergency, 120-day, $250,000 contract with Interment Services, Inc. to manage Austin’s five city cemeteries. At the heart of…
Uncategorized • By Ramon Ramirez • Apr 4, 2013
Downtown alley art project coming soon
Inspired by places like Paris, Rome, and Seattle, Austin is getting creative with its alleys this month. World-traveled artist and architect Dan Cheetham will curate “20 FT Wide,” a pilot project that will transform the alley on 9th Street between…
