Problems are rarely solved by doing what’s typical. That was the motto steering the Planning Commission at its most recent meeting, when members chose not to accept a proposal for a multifamily development with the usual shortage of three-bedroom apartments. Commissioners ultimately postponed the item to give the applicant time to rework the numbers with […]
Planning
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Report finds most traffic on Rainey Street stems from surrounding roadways
Traffic congestion has long been a concern for people who live and work along Rainey Street. Last year, neighbors struck a deal with a developer looking to build new condos in the area. They agreed to conduct a comprehensive traffic study to identify transportation needs and guide future development. The Austin-based Sutton Company is expected […]
Posted inPlanning
Convention center skybridge earns Planning Commission approval
A proposal for a skybridge connecting the Austin Convention Center to the nearby Hilton Austin hotel will make its way to City Council after a narrow Planning Commission vote approved staff’s recommendation during its May 23 meeting. The applicant, Austin Convention Enterprises Inc, a nonprofit created by the city and run by a board of […]
Posted inPlanning
Convention center skybridge postponed by Planning Commission
A request seeking permission to construct a pedestrian skybridge connecting the Austin Convention Center and the Hilton Austin hotel downtown was postponed by the Planning Commission last week. The case, which the commission came close to denying altogether, will now be reviewed by the Downtown, Design and Urban Transportation commissions before returning to the Planning […]
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In lieu of Imagine Austin update, Planning Commission recommends mixed-use project
The city’s comprehensive plan is starting to show its age. On Tuesday, the Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve a mixed-use zoning request, against staff’s recommendation, for three commercially zoned properties on the border of one of the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan’s “Job Center” nodes in Montopolis. Applicant John Stratton is requesting that 2507, 2509 […]
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Austin launches initiative to redesign Congress Avenue
For Austin visitors, it’s hard to beat the iconic view of the Texas Capitol from Congress Avenue. But for those who live and work along the corridor, the streetscape could use some improvements. On a Friday afternoon, about a dozen customers sit and sip coffees at the Hideout Theatre and Coffee House downtown. But in […]
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Zoning and Platting Commission debates its role in deciding reasonable use
Opposing zoning philosophies came to a head at Tuesday night’s Zoning and Platting Commission meeting, resulting in a split vote over a conditional overlay removal request for a planned gas station project in Northeast Austin. Last year, City Council approved commercial mixed-use conditional overlay zoning for the property at 13007 Cantarra Drive. Agent Alice Glasco, […]
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Board denies appeal accusing church of being front for multifamily residence
Wading through the gray area between religious assembly and residential uses, the Board of Adjustment decided at its Feb. 13 meeting to deny an appeal to reverse staff’s determination that the property at 2530 South Congress was being used for religious worship. Agent Nikelle Meade filed the appeal on behalf of David Krug, manager of […]
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Creatives see little to preserve artist, music spaces in CodeNEXT
A month after the release of the first draft of CodeNEXT, supporters of Austin’s various creative communities have said they’re underwhelmed and expecting more protections for artist spaces in revisions of the city’s new land use code. Whether it be music venues priced out of business by rising land values or studios and theaters that […]
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Local interest groups gear up for a year of CodeNEXT talk
At the rear of the Terrazas Branch of the Austin Public Library on E. Cesar Chavez Street, roughly 10 people gather in a meeting room. It looks like any classroom. There’s a white board at the back, unflattering lighting above, and rows of chairs stacked to the side. What’s unusual is the discussion. At times, […]
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Council still puzzled about CodeNEXT
Most City Council members still don’t know what to make of the first draft of CodeNEXT, the long-anticipated overhaul of the city’s zoning code that was first unveiled late last month. On Wednesday, the consultants hired to craft the draft code gave a presentation to Council members that touched on the guiding aspirations of the […]
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On East 11th and 12th streets, two different tales of revitalization
Almost two decades ago, the city of Austin launched a plan to revitalize the area around 11th and 12th streets in East Austin. Fast-forward to today, and East 11th has seen a boom of new businesses and housing, while East 12th hasn’t changed quite as much. As part of our On My Block project, looking […]