After the Planning Commission failed to grant its bid for a conditional use permit that would have allowed the establishment to serve alcoholic beverages, the Burnet Road Little Woodrow’s may never come to pass. The bar has faced staunch neighborhood opposition that has not eased since City Council granted a zoning change in March. […]
Development
Posted inDevelopment, Environment
Board of Adjustment seeks guidance on new Lake Austin rules
New Lake Austin rules hit members of the Board of Adjustment at their November meeting, causing general befuddlement. After expressing confusion about why they were hearing the case, the board decided on a postponement until Jan. 13 for the variance for existing backfill behind a bulkhead at 3600, 3602 and 3604 Rivercrest Drive. “We’re getting […]
Posted inDevelopment
Owners await Board of Adjustment ruling to build second dwelling
Two Austinites hoping to build another dwelling on their land will have to wait a bit longer to find out whether they have the required variance from the Board of Adjustment. Gregory Brooks and Neal B. Kassanoff are seeking a variance to build a second dwelling on their 4201 Wilshire Parkway property, which is located […]
Posted inDevelopment, Environment
Committee urges formulation of rules for marine toilets, marinas
The City of Austin is facing a mountain of issues in its attempt to better regulate a set of items that include marine toilets, marinas and holding tanks. Among them is probable cost, extent of the trouble, and – perhaps the largest – lack of clear regulatory authority with regard to the issue. Council […]
Posted inDevelopment, Local Government
Apartment occupancy rates, rental costs at all-time high
As Austin’s population continues to increase, occupancy rates and rents for apartments and the construction of new multifamily properties are at all-time high levels. And while that may be a financial boost for owners and landlords, City of Austin housing officials say it presents a serious challenge to their mission of creating affordable housing. […]
Posted inDevelopment
Commission stalls demolition permit in favor of relocating house
A dramatic back story failed to earn an initiation of historic zoning at the Historic Landmark Commission last month, much to the relief of an East Austin couple hoping to sell off their property. The commission voted 4-0 to release the demolition permit for 1110 Tillery Street and allow staff to work with the […]
Posted inDevelopment, Uncategorized
ZAP cites density issues in denying planned Steiner Ranch project
The last residential project proposed for the Steiner Ranch development failed to win over a concerned Zoning and Platting Commission last month. “It’s like we’re holding this hostage, and that’s really not appropriate… (But) I don’t want to read the paper and see that some action this commission could have avoided or done differently […]
Posted inDevelopment, Local Politics
Council members question staff over code enforcement issues
Members of the Council’s Health and Human Services Committee Tuesday questioned city staff over their ongoing efforts to revamp code compliance. Code enforcement has been in the spotlight since a balcony collapse at the Woodridge Apartments set off a wave of criticism after lax enforcement of safety regulations was revealed. As Council members discussed […]
Posted inDevelopment, Environment, Local Government, Local Politics, Public Safety
County finds just $4.3 million to buy flood-ravaged homes
Travis County officials say they have searched their budgets, bond programs and possibly even the couch cushions to come up with $4.3 million to buy out damaged and destroyed homes from the Halloween floods. But it will be another week or two before County Commissioners will be get an estimate on just how much […]
Posted inDevelopment
City panel reviews plan to convert East Sixth to a ‘Festival Street’
A proposed “Festival Street” for downtown East Sixth Street got high marks from those on hand at the Council’s Comprehensive Planning and Transportation Committee Monday afternoon. The city has $1 million on hand for the project’s design, thanks to the 2010 bond package. Public Works Director Howard Lazarus told the committee that the city would […]
Posted inDevelopment, Local Politics
Council denies zoning change for Bluff Springs convenience store
With negotiations in shambles, there will be no zoning change for construction of the Bluff Springs Food Mart in the near future. The owner of the proposed convenience store was seeking the zoning change in order to remove a restriction that prohibits food sales and restaurant fast food drive-throughs on the property. That change […]
Posted inDevelopment
Landmark Commission gives 1928 bungalow month-long reprieve
The Historic Landmark Commission put off a proposed demolition last week, granting at least another month to a Heritage Neighborhood bungalow. Ed Lopez would like to tear down his 1928 bungalow at 2910 Rio Grande Street in order to make way for a bigger house for his family. Lopez has owned the house since […]