Following a lengthy discussion last week about setting precedents, the Zoning and Platting Commission narrowly voted to deny a property owner’s request to build a wheelchair tram from his backyard to Lake Austin. Applicant Rod Roberts said he requested variances to build the tram — or inclined elevator — on his property at 3961 Westlake […]
Tyler Whitson
Posted inAustin, City Hall, Energy, Local Politics
Council mulls future of Austin Energy Committee
City Council members and Austin Energy staff had a candid discussion about the future of the Council Committee on Austin Energy at its last meeting with current membership, with both parties agreeing that the meetings have been very beneficial to the city. Council Member Bill Spelman pointed out that an item on the topic was […]
Posted inAustin, Environment, Resources
City reveals new drainage fee structure
Austin Watershed Protection Department staff publicly presented its proposed restructure of the drainage fee for the first time Wednesday, saying that it is fairer and more equitable to customers than the current flat fee. Watershed Protection Director Victoria Li told the Environmental Board that the proposed structure is based on the impact that each property […]
Posted inAustin, Environment
Plan for local recycled product market advances
Austin’s processed recyclable materials are often shipped overseas to be remanufactured into new products, but a plan by the Austin Resource Recovery Department to convert a plot of land into an eco-industrial park called the Austin (re) Manufacturing Hub could change that. The Zoning and Platting Commission enthusiastically approved a request Tuesday to rezone 391 […]
Posted inAustin, Development, Housing, Resources
Consultant outlines affordable housing study data
Affordable housing advocates and residents gathered at City Hall on Monday to weigh in on the findings and recommendations of a July report that outlines Austin’s affordable housing needs and fair choice impediments. According to the 2014 Comprehensive Housing Market Study, the city has lost a significant amount of affordable housing since 2000, though it […]
Posted inDevelopment, Transportation
Lone Star Rail asks Austin for new commitments
Lone Star Rail District representatives have revealed new details about a proposed passenger rail corridor between Georgetown and South San Antonio — with several stops in Austin — and are asking the city to amend an interlocal agreement that City Council approved last December. The proposed LSTAR commuter service would utilize the current Union Pacific freight line […]
Posted inPolice, Public Safety
Austin Police studying body cameras for officers
The Austin Police Department has plans for its officers to eventually wear body cameras, though Police Chief Art Acevedo says the technology isn’t up to speed yet. “We’re confident that within the next 12 months, the industry will rise to the challenge and we’ll have a system that will be seamless in terms of its […]
Posted inCity Council, City Hall, Parks
Audit finds trouble at city cemeteries
A report by the city auditor’s staff found that the Parks and Recreation Department’s Cemetery Operations Group has demonstrated a “general lack of oversight” in managing certain aspects of the city’s municipal cemeteries. Among other issues, the October audit revealed five instances between April 2013 and June 2014 in which Cemetery Operations Group staff sold […]
Posted inCity Council, Development, The Code
Council sets overnight concrete pour ordinance
Following lengthy discussion and public input, City Council unanimously passed an interim ordinance Thursday that limits overnight concrete pouring in parts of downtown from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. and initiates a 60-day stakeholder process for a permanent solution. The ordinance, which will expire after 120 days, includes a grandfather clause that exempts building permits […]
Posted inCity Council, Energy, Resources
Council to consider new utility debt policy
City Council will likely consider a new utility debt policy soon, after learning from staff that customers have accrued about $76 million in electricity debt alone, mostly over the past three years. Staff also reported that customers owe more than $21 million in water and wastewater bills, more than $9 million in waste management and […]
Posted inWhispers
Concrete ordinance may see opposition
There may be some division among City Council members today about an ordinance that would limit concrete pouring hours to between 7 p.m. and 2 a.m. on certain downtown properties. Council Member Mike Martinez said at Tuesday’s work session that he heard a request from the Old Austin Neighborhood Association to hold stakeholder meetings on […]
Posted inWhispers
Council may postpone auditor/ERC ordinance
Council Members Bill Spelman and Mike Martinez had a discussion during Tuesday’s work session indicating that the Council may postpone action on an ordinance that would change the powers and duties of the city auditor and the Ethics Review Commission. Spelman, who sponsored the resolution that initiated the code amendments, said that there are “still […]