Austin’s role in funding a proposed commuter rail line that would run through Austin and San Antonio is up in the air ahead of consideration at today’s City Council meeting, with staff and some Council members disagreeing on whether it is time to commit property tax money to the project. Council members may amend an […]
Austin
Posted inAustin, Courts, Development, Housing, Local Politics
Council may amend source-of-income ordinance
Austin City Council members, set to finalize an ordinance that would ban housing discrimination based on one’s source of income, will consider a language change that would bring their version of the rule in line with state and federal codes. Council Member Laura Morrison raised the issue at Tuesday’s work session. “There is a state […]
Posted inAustin, Development, Land Development Code
Hyde Park rezoning tests process, patience
A plan for a new restaurant in Hyde Park revealed bigger problems than just zoning Tuesday night, when a code interpretation had Planning Commissioners calling for a change in procedure. Navid Hoomanrad is seeking a zoning change from single family (SF-3) to Neighborhood Office (NO). Hoomanrad is also asking to amend the Hyde Park Neighborhood […]
Posted inAustin, Development, Parks, Water
Decker golf proposal likely going to next Council
Lobbyist Richard Suttle surprised most observers Tuesday by asking City Council to postpone a decision on whether to allow his client, Decker Lake Golf LLC, to create a PGA-style golf complex at Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park. The request came when Mayor Lee Leffingwell called upon Suttle to speak during Council’s work session. City staff […]
Posted inAustin, Hays County, Local Government, Transit, Transportation, Travis County, Williamson County
CAMPO board OKs list of future transit projects
The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization Transportation Policy Board approved a recommended list of regional transit projects Monday, including a commuter rail line from Elgin to Austin and multiple new MetroRapid Bus routes, to prioritize for potential funding under its draft long-range plan. The board also approved a recommended list of roadway projects in Travis, […]
Posted inAustin, Energy, Environment, Resources
AE staff, stakeholders agree on gas plant review
Just in time for Council to consider it before the end of the year, Austin Energy and the environmental and business communities have cleared what appears to be the last hurdle of the 2025 energy generation resource plan. Austin Energy staff told City Council on Tuesday that the utility has agreed with stakeholders on an […]
Posted inAustin, Local Politics, Transit, Transportation
Riley plan for quarter-cent funds raises concerns
City Council Member Chris Riley ran into concerns from both Austin city management and his Council colleagues over a plan to use $20.4 million in funds raised through a Capital Metro one-quarter-cent tax agreement for transportation infrastructure improvements along Airport Boulevard. If approved, Riley’s proposal would use the money — the remainder of $139.4 million […]
Posted inAustin, Development, Environment
Zoning and Platting says no to wheelchair tram
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 […]
Posted inAustin, Development
Neighbors organize against planned Northwest PUD
The Austin Oaks Planned Unit Development in Northwest Austin has already come under fire, inspired an opposing website and sparked the creation of a new neighborhood alliance, despite being very early in the zoning process. Developers Spire Realty Group LP presented the plan for the Austin Oaks PUD this summer. At the time, they proposed […]
Posted inAustin, Elections
Mayoral, Council candidates still spending money
(This report was written by Monitor reporters Jo Clifton and Elizabeth Pagano.) There seems little doubt that the 2014 campaign for mayor will end up being the most expensive in the city’s history. Both Steve Adler and Mike Martinez, as well as political action committees supporting and opposing them, have filled the airwaves with television […]
Posted inAustin, Elections, Local Politics
Adler, Martinez highlight differences in forum
Just 10 days away from the Dec. 16 runoff election, mayoral candidates Steve Adler and Mike Martinez worked hard Sunday to put some daylight between their positions on a number of key issues, including affordability, transportation, taxes and budgets. KUT, KLRU and the Austin Monitor co-hosted a debate Sunday between Martinez and Adler. KUT Morning […]
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 […]