District 5
Ryan Alter looks back on accomplishments of 2024
District 5 Council Member Ryan Alter is proud of City Council’s many accomplishments in 2024, starting with what is obviously one of his favorite topics: housing. “I think first and foremost, we as a Council made some really important strides…
City Council • By Jo Clifton • Dec 26, 2024
Winding, narrow Thornton Road to get more housing
After two unsuccessful attempts to update the zoning on some commercial property on a narrow South Austin street, the owners succeeded in getting City Council approval to rezone the property at 2313, 2315, 2401 and 2413 Thornton Road at the…
Zoning • By Jo Clifton • Nov 19, 2024
Revised Thornton Road rezoning gets first reading approval
After a surprise change in the requested zoning, City Council approved on first reading a much smaller zoning change for a 4-acre site on Thornton Road in South Austin. The property sits in District 5, and Council Member Ryan Alter…
Development • By Jo Clifton • Oct 4, 2024
Major upzoning in Zilker neighborhood draws opposition
On Sept. 12, City Council approved a zoning change for a 0.42-acre property in the Zilker neighborhood that will allow the developer to build to 90 feet, falling under the Density Bonus 90 category. The property at 2130 Goodrich Ave.,…
Zoning • By Jo Clifton • Sep 20, 2024
The Austin Monitor thanks its sponsors. Become one.
The Austin Monitor thanks its sponsors. Become one.
Umlauf Vision Plan aims to revive iconic sculptor's home and studio as museum
Plans to significantly expand the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum are continuing to drum up enthusiasm, with Historic Landmark commissioners granting the project their blessing last week. The Umlauf Historic Preservation, Expansion, and Unification Plan hopes to add thousands of…
Preservation • By Kali Bramble • Aug 19, 2024
Council approves renaming bathhouse in honor of Joan Means Khabele
City Council on Thursday approved the renaming of the bathhouse at Barton Springs Pool in honor of the woman who, as a teenager, led the first “swim-in” at the segregated pool in an act of civil disobedience. With the unanimous…
Parks • By Amy Smith • Apr 5, 2024
Subscribe to our newsletter
Parks board blesses bathhouse renaming
More than 60 years ago, Joan Means Khabele jumped into Barton Springs Pool, launching a movement that led to its desegregation. Austin is now set to remember her legacy by renaming the Barton Springs Bathhouse after her. After being denied…
Parks • By Elizabeth Pagano • Feb 28, 2024
City seeks feedback on density, planning framework for South Central district
The city has released the plan intended to shape the development of the southern shoreline of Lady Bird Lake and beyond, with public input sought until March 20. City Council is expected to consider the South Central Waterfront Combining District…
Planning • By Chad Swiatecki • Feb 22, 2024
The Austin Monitor thanks its sponsors. Become one.
City breaks ground on the Barton Springs bathhouse
Many years in the making, rehabilitation of the Barton Springs bathhouse is scheduled for a groundbreaking ceremony at 10 a.m. today. While the majority of attendees will surely cheer for the improvements the city promises under the Barton Springs Pool…
Parks • By Jo Clifton • Feb 22, 2024
Commissioners seek parking study, Polo Field restoration
Two parking items cleared the Environmental Commission last week, a notable achievement considering that certain parking issues tend to devolve into prolonged debates. At its Feb. 7 meeting, commissioners considered two proposals within the framework of City Council’s elimination of…
Parks • By Amy Smith • Feb 12, 2024
Parks board delays request for traffic study, shuttle service for Zilker Park
The Parks and Recreation Board has further delayed a transportation impact analysis of Zilker Park that was originally suggested by City Council two years ago because of concerns the study could draw money away from other parks programs and budget…
Parks • By Chad Swiatecki • Jan 24, 2024
Historic Black church slated for renovation as duplex
As St. Annie African Methodist Episcopal Church prepares to relocate to new digs farther north, the iconic white building that served as its home for over a century is poised to start a new life as a residential duplex. The…
