Though a lawsuit is already pending, the City Council will move ahead with a Rob Roy zoning and a change in a restrictive covenant change next week. Before Council looked at the matter Thursday, Rob Roy homeowners Russ and Terri Harris filed suit against the City of Austin and Brandywine Acquisition Partners, LP. That […]
Development
Posted inDevelopment
Measure to set residential occupancy limits headed for City Council
An effort to curb stealth dorms that would radically limit how many unrelated people can live in Austin’s residences is heading quickly back to City Council. This past November Council started the process of limiting occupancy to four unrelated adults in single-family zoned property. Currently, the city puts that limit at six unrelated adults. […]
Posted inDevelopment, Local Politics
Tinkering with city’s over 65 property tax exemption proves tricky
Increasing the City of Austin’s tax exemption for residents 65 and older and the disabled could cost the city a substantial amount in lost revenue. According to Deputy Chief Financial Officer Ed Van Eenoo, who wrote in a memo in response to requests from Council members during last year’s budget discussion, even a small change […]
Posted inDevelopment, Uncategorized
Cascades MUD set for 10th appearance at Planning Commission
A proposed municipal utility district in the Onion Creek area continues to mosey its way to City Council. But first, it will pay a 10th visit to the Planning Commission’s agenda. After discussion, the Planning Commission opted to mull over the potential Cascades Municipal Utility District (MUD) No. 1 just a little longer. A […]
Posted inDevelopment
Board of Adjustment gets its feet wet with first Lake Austin ruling
The Board of Adjustment embraced its new role and made its first Lake Austin ruling last week, though some of the members continue to struggle with the practicalities. The board voted in favor of a variance at 2921 Westlake Cove, which is owned by Jay and Martha Gamble. The Gambles were asking for a […]
Posted inDevelopment
ZAP reluctantly approves new subdivision for Steiner Ranch
A small rebellion at the Zoning and Platting Commission was thwarted last week, with commissioners acquiescing to code and, in the end, approving a Steiner Ranch subdivision. Previously, the commission had rejected the subdivision, citing health and safety concerns. Armbrust and Brown attorney Richard Suttle told the commission that, despite their concerns about traffic […]
Posted inDevelopment, Local Government, Local Politics, Uncategorized
Travis County approves economic development incentives rules
Finalizing an effort that has been months in the making, the Travis County Commissioners unanimously approved revised economic development incentives for the county Tuesday. “It’s been a struggle working on this and I think we’ve done a pretty good job by involving an array of collaborative efforts with many sources,” said Pct. 1 Commissioner […]
Posted inDevelopment, Resources
Zoning and Planning Commission OKs water treatment plant variances
A proposed water treatment plant for Travis County Water Control and Improvement District 17 continues to clear city hurdles, despite staff’s concerns. This past Tuesday, the Zoning and Platting Commission voted to approve variances that will allow increased impervious cover, reduced natural area and more building height. Commissioners voted 5-1 in favor of the […]
Posted inDevelopment
Proposed Northwest Austin restaurant fails to get ZAP backing
An even split at the Zoning and Platting Commission wasn’t enough to get a recommendation for a proposed Northwest Austin restaurant Tuesday night. Developer Twelve Lakes LLC hopes to build the Austin Oaks Restaurant at 7601 Wood Hollow Drive. In order to do that, they will need a variance in order to build less […]
Posted inDevelopment, Elections, Local Government, Local Politics
Eckhardt criticizes McCombs for seeking tax breaks, suing appraisal district
Travis County Judge candidate Sarah Eckhardt continued her verbal campaign against billionaire businessman Red McCombs Thursday, taking him to task for asking taxpayers to contribute millions of dollars to build the Circuit of the Americas race track but going to court to get his property tax bill on the facility lowered. Eckhardt, a former […]
Posted inDevelopment, Local Government
ZAP denies fill variance for property in city’s northwest ETJ
The Zoning and Platting Commission, following the Environmental Board‘s lead and staff’s counsel, denied a variance Tuesday for a north Austin property that has been in violation of city regulations for years. The site, at 15101 Debba Drive, is in the far northwest portion of the city‘s extraterritorial jurisdiction. Owner Marc Pate Construction was […]
Posted inDevelopment
Landmark Commission endorses housing project for National Register
The Historic Landmark Commission has given its full blessing to an east-side housing project’s nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. The nomination is for the Rosewood Courts, located at Chicon Street and Rosewood Avenue. The Texas Historic Commission will take up the issue at its Jan. 18 meeting. Fred McGhee, who […]