The city’s Parks and Recreation Department announced on Monday morning that they would be removing Flo, the nearly 100-year-old pecan tree that leans over Barton Springs Pool, before the pool opens on Thursday. In addition, the department invited members of the public to celebrate Flo’s life at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the pool. The fate […]
District 5
Posted inRoads
Barton Springs bridge gets new rules
As of this week, heavy vehicles traveling eastbound across the Barton Springs Road Bridge will be required to stay in the far right lane in an effort to extend the life of the bridge. The decision to limit options for heavier traffic, including buses, was made after the most recent inspection of the bridge, which […]
Posted inPreservation
Campaign to landmark Peter Pan Mini Golf gains traction at city’s preservation office
After 75 years in business, Austin’s Peter Pan Mini Golf is hoping to celebrate many more, with a grassroots campaign to zone the site historic beginning to take shape at the city’s Historic Preservation Office. The one-of-a-kind golf course made headlines after news broke that a change in landowners could call the renewal of its […]
Posted inDevelopment
Bouldin Creek residents discourage development plans for hotels peering over their homes
Hotels could be coming to the Bouldin Creek neighborhood after the Planning Commission approved an extension for a site plan at Mattie’s at Green Pastures restaurant. The proposed development would bring two hotels with about 100 rooms and renovations to the historically significant home previously owned by Henry and Martha “Mattie” Faulk, whose daughter Mary […]
Posted inZoning
Commissioners OK one more mixed-use site on tiny South Austin street
Members of the Planning Commission on June 13 voted unanimously to recommend changing the zoning on two small properties at 1705 and 1707 Evergreen Avenue, just off South Lamar Boulevard, to accommodate business uses and workforce housing. If approved by City Council, the two lots, which currently have single-family residences, would be rezoned from Family […]
Posted inParks
Zilker Park Vision Plan wins over Parks and Recreation Board, but the battle is far from over
Following a marathon of public testimony this past Monday, the Zilker Metropolitan Park Vision Plan has secured the blessing of Austin’s Parks and Recreation Board, though its opponents say the fight is far from over. The vision plan, an ambitious program of park updates including parking garages, road closures and a 5,000-seat amphitheater, has garnered […]
Posted inPlanning
Brodie Oaks PUD wins second-round approval
City Council last week gave its blessing to the Brodie Oaks Redevelopment Planned Unit Development on second reading and set third reading for July 20. Council Member Ryan Alter, whose District 5 includes the sprawling shopping center, wrote on the City Council Message Board that he had been “deeply engaged with the applicant and staff” […]
Posted inDevelopment
Planning Commission reverses interpretation of environmental rules, allowing housing project to advance
The Planning Commission on Tuesday overruled an interpretation of environmental rules by city staffers, allowing a multifamily project to move forward at the intersection of Ben White and South Lamar boulevards. At issue was a disagreement over how a combination of city environmental protection rules apply to a site at 2428 W. Ben White Blvd., […]
Posted inPreservation
Planning Commission recommends historic zoning for Broken Spoke
The iconic Broken Spoke dance hall is headed for official historic status, ensuring the venue is preserved as the South Lamar corridor continues to develop. The Planning Commission on Tuesday voted 8-0 to recommend approval of historic zoning for the Broken Spoke, which has hosted live country music and dancing at 3201 S. Lamar Blvd. […]
Posted inZoning
ZAP supports another rezoning in fast-changing Matthews Lane Neighborhood
The Zoning and Platting Commission on Tuesday recommended rezoning a property in South Austin to allow more single-family homes despite opposition from neighbors who say they have been inundated with new development without the infrastructure to support it. The site in question at 7500 Wynne Lane is currently zoned Mobile Home Residence (MH). The property […]
Posted inZoning
Rezoning could bring ‘missing middle’ housing to South Austin property
The Zoning and Platting Commission on March 21 recommended a rezoning that would allow “missing middle” housing to be built on a property in the Matthews Lane neighborhood in South Austin. The request would change the zoning on a 3-acre site at 7605 Albert Road, currently developed with a single-family home, from Development Reserve (DR) […]
Posted inPreservation
Historic Landmark Commission votes to keep the party going at legacy venue the Broken Spoke
The Broken Spoke will keep its doors open to honky-tonk enthusiasts for the foreseeable future, after a move to grant the venue a historic zoning designation made its way through the Historic Landmark Commission last week. Now 59 years old, the Broken Spoke is one of few remaining vestiges of Austin’s star-studded musical legacy, boasting […]