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Intent to sue over Circle C West Construction general permit at root of problem The Save Our Springs Alliance (SOSA) has sent notices to the City of Austin, Gary Bradley, two other developers and an engineering firm, declaring that the organization intends to file suit against them for alleged violations of federal laws on endangered […]

Buda ETJ, with conditions The beginning of a beautiful friendship? The long-running saga of Austin’s extra-territorial jurisdiction (ETJ) in Hays County moved one step closer to a resolution on Thursday as the Austin City Council unanimously approved a measure that will begin the process of releasing control of the land to the City of Buda. […]

At Buda ETJ question today Waivers for affordable project equal $16,000 The dispute between the City of Austin and Buda over control of extra-territorial jurisdiction (ETJ) in Hays County may come to an end today as the Austin City Council once again considers release of land that nearly surrounds its smaller neighbor. Both sides must […]

Subdivision fee waivers Waivers for affordable project equal $16,000 Briarcreek, a joint effort of landowner Dick Rathgeber and Terry Mitchell of Milburn Homes, will be the first subdivision to benefit from Travis County’ s new policy to waive some fees on affordable housing. Commissioner Ron Davis led the push to waive the county’s subdivision fees […]

Of Pipeline ordinance Three members ask manager to report It appears that members of the Austin City Council are taking seriously the pipeline ordinance submitted by former Texas Land Commissioner Garry Mauro, the environmental group PODER and the Save Barton Creek Association (SBCA). Three members have signed on to a request to have the City […]

Pat Murphy, City Environmental Officer By David Ansel Pat Murphy, serving as the Environmental Officer for the recently formed Watershed Protection Division of the Development Review and Inspection Department, is responsible for overseeing environmental regulations dealing with development. He basically serves as an environmental middle linebacker. He supervises the defense and calls the plays, but […]

No affordable apartments Southeast area neighbors agreed to developers' plans Lee Sloan, president of the Kensington Park Homeowners Association, told the City Council last week, “I would ask you to stop and look around at what we have here. This is probably truly a Kodak moment that none of us may see again in our […]

Puts off Rosewood decision Planners hear more complaints about notice A bare majority of the Planning Commission decided Tuesday to postpone a vote on the Rosewood Neighborhood Plan until next week. But next week’s vote will likely only be on how much longer to delay the plan. Commissioner Sterling Lands voiced concerns about the level […]

Permits in Barton Springs zone Continued practice could eliminate endangered species The US Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) has recommended denying any further construction permits within the Barton Springs Watershed under the Environmental Protection Agency’ s general permit process. Further degradation of water quality in Barton Springs “jeopardizes the continued existence” of the Barton Springs […]

Like 6th St. port-a-potty plan Police trying to deal with public health problem The historic and commercial aspects of Sixth Street collided at last night’s Historic Landmark Commission meeting when commissioners were asked to consider a permit for five port-a-potties on the east side of the 500 block of Trinity Street in the Sixth Street […]

Steps back from business overlay Zoning approved on first reading only The City Council has granted preliminary approval to zoning changes for dozens of lots in South Austin as part of the Dawson Neighborhood Plan. The Council decided to leave off the conditional-use overlay that business owners along South First and South Congress opposed, but […]

City regulation of Longhorn Supporters say city not pre-empted on property protection Susana Almanza of PODER ( People Organized in Defense of the Earth and Her Resources) and Jon Beall, president of the Save Barton Creek Association, got some high profile help in their battle against the Longhorn Pipeline on Thursday. FormerTexas Land Commissioner Garry […]