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 […]
City Hall
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 inCity Council, City Hall, Local Politics
Council braces for a long Thursday meeting
With a final agenda that has more than 230 items on it so far, Austin’s last at-large City Council looks determined to go out with a bang, and a really long meeting. On Tuesday, members discussed how to best deal with their last meeting, which will take place this Thursday. “It would be ironic, in […]
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 inPremium Types
Tip Sheet: Planning Commission 12/9
The City of Austin Planning Commission meets at 6 p.m. Tuesday. In the interest of saving space, we will not publish the entire agenda here. It is available on the City’s website. 1. Code Amendment: C20-2014-024 – Congress Avenue Combining District Owner/Applicant: City of Austin Agent: Planning and Development Review Department Request: Consider an ordinance […]
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 […]
Posted inAustin, Local Government, Public Health, Resources
HHS panel studies how HB2 affects Austinites
Last week, the Council Public Health and Human Services Committee took a closer look at the local impacts of Texas House Bill 2. After local outcry and international attention last year, the bill passed during a special session of the 83rd Legislature and changed the way Texas regulates abortion procedures, providers and facilities. In September […]