Stories by Tyler Whitson
Council committee questions plans for Oak Hill Parkway project update
Austin City Council members questioned Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority and Texas Department of Transportation representatives last week about their decision not to advance elements of a resident-supported plan to reconstruct the congested U.S. Highway 290 and State Highway 71…
Development • By Tyler Whitson • Aug 12, 2014
Plan suggests shutdown of Decker power plant
The City of Austin is considering taking the Decker Creek Power Station offline in order to secure access to water from adjacent Lake Walter E. Long in the case of a future drought emergency. The idea is one of several key recommendations set forth…
Environment • By Tyler Whitson • Aug 12, 2014
Council settles officer-involved shooting case for $1.25 million
The Austin City Council opted Thursday to pay $1.25 million to settle a claim related to an officer-involved shooting that took place last summer. Mayor Lee Leffingwell cast the only dissenting vote in the 6-1 decision. The claim alleged that former Austin Police…
Local Politics • By Tyler Whitson • Aug 8, 2014
Council resolution would move city closer to allowing very small units
The City of Austin may soon designate a clear path within its Land Development Code for residents to legally construct and dwell in very small houses pending approval of a resolution to be voted on at today’s regular Austin City Council meeting.…
Development • By Tyler Whitson • Aug 7, 2014
Homestead exemption could leave $36 million budget hole to fill
A homestead tax exemption as a percentage of appraised value on homeowners could potentially blow a $36 million hole in the next city budget, though it would also put close to $200 back in most taxpayers’ pockets, according to a…
Development • By Tyler Whitson • Aug 6, 2014
Rideshare supporters meet to discuss ways to legalize services
Supporters of a potential pilot program for commercial rideshare companies to be legally implemented in Austin gathered Wednesday at the Chicago House. The event featured short lectures from two keynote speakers about how Austin could accommodate these companies, followed by…
