Stories by Sommer Brugal
Zoning and Platting remains unhappy with PUD ordinance
With Draft 3 of CodeNEXT currently under review, the Zoning and Platting Commission voted to send a letter to the mayor and City Council concerning the code’s failure to address problems with the city’s current system of planned unit developments.…
Land Development Code • By Sommer Brugal • Jun 22, 2018
'Speed cushions' hit Health and Human Services Committee
Though the program that brings new speed cushions to Austin is currently in a holding pattern, the City Council Health and Human Services Committee received an update regarding traffic calming devices at its meeting last Wednesday afternoon. Chair Ora Houston…
Roads • By Sommer Brugal • Jun 21, 2018
Will Smoot Terrace Park be a local historic district?
Old West Austin could be home to another local historic district, if a proposal for Smoot Terrace Park is approved by City Council. The district is located between West Sixth and Ninth streets, covering 17.5 acres of land along Highland…
Preservation • By Sommer Brugal • Jun 6, 2018
Commission votes to expand Injury Prevention Program
In an effort to support the Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Service’s efforts to reduce preventable injuries, the Public Safety Commission passed a motion to fund and expand the county’s Injury Prevention Program at its May 7 meeting. Lisa Sepulveda, Austin-Travis…
Public Safety • By Sommer Brugal • May 8, 2018
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City Council approves plan to end homelessness
The rising concern surrounding homelessness and its growing numbers will receive greater attention and resources moving forward, now that City Council unanimously approved a resolution to endorse the city’s Action Plan to End Homelessness at its April 26 meeting. The…
City Council • By Sommer Brugal • May 2, 2018
Commission votes to allow residential buffer between neighborhood and small business development
At its April 17 meeting, the Zoning and Platting Commission approved a rezoning on Ferguson Lane and Sansom Road, despite strong urges to reject the proposal from the residents of Walnut Place Neighborhood Association. The agreed-upon motion includes a residential…
Zoning • By Sommer Brugal • Apr 20, 2018
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Human Rights Commission talks density bonuses
Housing affordability in Austin as it relates to CodeNEXT was the center of attention at the Human Rights Commission meeting on Monday, June 26. On behalf of Austin Habitat for Humanity, Greg Anderson, the organization’s director of operations, presented a…
Land Development Code • By Sommer Brugal • Jul 11, 2017
New proposal connects residents to transit corridors via parklands
Austin residents are calling for a more compact and connected city. Thanks to a proposed strategy to reimagine the use of parklands around the city, Sustainable Neighborhoods might have the solution residents are seeking. Steve Zettner of Sustainable Neighborhoods presented…
Parks • By Sommer Brugal • Jul 5, 2017
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Study offers a window into the lives of recyclers
Members of the Zero Waste Advisory Commission embraced the results of a six-month study intended to reveal the recycling habits of Austinites at their most recent meeting. Emlea Chanslor, Austin Resource Recovery public information officer, presented the study’s results. She…
Resources • By Sommer Brugal • Jun 26, 2017
Austin residents push for more aggressive energy goal
A number of concerned citizens gathered to speak at the Austin Energy Utility Oversight Committee meeting Monday morning to express their frustration with Austin Energy’s updated Resource, Generation, and Climate Protection Plan. While the updated plan, which was written by…
Energy • By Sommer Brugal • Jun 21, 2017
Animal Advisory Commission weighs Monk parakeet deal
Austin’s population of Monk parakeets has garnered a lot of attention over the past few weeks, with some questioning Austin Energy’s policy for removing the birds’ nests from power lines and utility structures in town. The Animal Advisory Commission heard…
Austin • By Sommer Brugal • Jun 19, 2017
SH 45 SW continues to move forward
The Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District Board of Directors was informed of various updates to State Highway 45 Southwest at its regular meeting May 25. The high-profile transportation project, which hopes to improve mobility for the northern Hays and southern…
