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Council not to split duties yet Commissioners worried about overworked staff Last night, a majority of the Planning Commission voted to ask the City Council to postpone consideration of a change that would take certain cases away from the Planning Commission and send them to a new group—the Zoning and Platting Commission (ZAP). Commissioners Jean […]

Restored for office space Historic bakery built in 1890 David West wants to give new life to a turn-of-the-century bakery on East 11th Street, and the Historic Landmark Commission unanimously gave its blessing last night. The commission voted to recommend Historic zoning for the building, as well as for a small addition. West, who owns […]

Worried about loss of authority Local management big issue for districts Local authority versus state jurisdiction is at the core of groundwater districts’ concerns over Senate Bill 2, the follow-up to Sen. Buster Brown’s far-reaching omnibus water rights bill of 1997. The Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer District (BSEACD) is joining the Texas Alliance of Groundwater […]

Subdivision proposals Planning Commission version vs. staff version The City Council last night adjourned without comment or discussion of dueling ideas for a new subdivision ordinance after listening to about an hour of citizens’ remarks. Austan Librach, Director of the Planning, Environmental and Conservation Services Department, presented both staff recommendations and recommendations from the Planning […]

For Bennett Tract today Moratorium on building The Planning Commission Tuesday night approved the same heights, use restrictions and most other criteria for the Bennett Tract as those hashed out by the commission’s four-member committee last week. (See In Fact Daily, March 19, 2001) The City Council is scheduled to consider that recommendation at today’s […]

For Mayor if Watson resigns Goodman would not run against Garcia Former Mayor Pro Tem Gus Garcia says he is pondering a run for Mayor if Kirk Watson decides to step down before the end of his term. “I’m having a very good time,” in retirement, Garcia notes, adding that he has a small lobbying […]

Plans to Design Commission Architect hopes to camouflage parking garage Members of the Austin Design Commission got an update on the plans for a new building at the northeast corner of Congress and 4th Streets last night. Tim Hendricks, Senior Vice President of Cousins Stone, told the commission he would appreciate a positive letter concerning […]

Director of City Water & Wastewater Department Chris Lippe has spent much of his life in Austin and most of his career working in the city’s Water & Wastewater Department (WWD), but there are aspects of the job that still surprise him. After spending 16 years in the WWD, Lippe was named permanent director in […]

Thursday's news follows City offers more money To land hotel bond buyer Council approved additional $50 million in bonds Last week, the City Council approved an additional $50 million in bonds to finance the Convention Center Hotel and agreed to send $10 million ahead of schedule to Austin Convention Enterprises, Inc. (ACE), which will own […]

To land hotel bond buyer Council approved additional $50 million in bonds Last week, the City Council approved an additional $50 million in bonds to finance the Convention Center Hotel and agreed to send $10 million ahead of schedule to Austin Convention Enterprises, Inc. (ACE), which will own and operate the hotel. The total now […]

Consultant choices to two Bickerstaff Heath or Emory & Young team Travis County Commissioners yesterday eliminated one of three firms recommended to the court by county staff to assist with redistricting. Still in the running are the law firm of Bickerstaff Heath Smiley Pollan Keever & McDaniel and political consultants Emory & Young, who are […]

Zoning out of step with Smart Growth Southwestern Bell not ready for case Members of the Board of Adjustment Monday evening approved several variances for a proposed townhome development at 25th and San Antonio, just a few blocks from the University of Texas campus. Those variances include changes to the minimum setback requirements and allowable […]