District 5
Makeover planned for Violet Crown trailhead at Zilker Park
Significant improvements are coming soon to the beginning of the Violet Crown Trail at Zilker Park, including an overlook and an entrance worthy of what may someday be Austin’s longest urban trail. The new overlook, shaded by a heritage pecan…
Parks • By Jonathan Lee • Jan 6, 2022
Kitchen: 'We could write a whole book about the last year'
Ann Kitchen thrives from the many challenges of being a City Council member. “It’s a combination of being really proactive and trying to address the problems that we’re having as a city,” she told the Austin Monitor. “It’s always new, it’s…
City Council • By Seth Smalley • Dec 22, 2021
After long wait, Toomey Road rezoning wins initial approval
At the urging of Council Member Ann Kitchen, City Council gave first reading approval for rezoning the apartment complex property at the corner of Toomey Road and Sterzing Street close to Zilker Park. Tenants of the complex, which will be…
Zoning • By Jo Clifton • Dec 10, 2021
Design Commission gives nod to bathhouse project
With the unanimous blessing of the city’s Design Commission, plans to renovate and and restore the historic Barton Springs Bathhouse continue to move forward. Barton Springs’ 1947 bathhouse is unimpeachably historic, with city, state and federal historic designations that all…
Preservation • By Elizabeth Pagano • Dec 1, 2021
ZAP says MF-2 too dense for Menchaca, a Project Connect corridor
On Tuesday, the Zoning and Platting Commission rejected Multifamily Low-Density (MF-2) zoning for three properties along Menchaca Road over objections from some commissioners who argued for more density on a corridor slated for Project Connect investment. “When I look at…
Zoning • By Jonathan Lee • Nov 22, 2021
Zilker substandard lot case sparks debate at Board of Adjustment
An appeal to grant a variance to homebuilders on Kinney Avenue raised questions of precedent and procedure at the Board of Adjustment meeting this past Monday. On behalf of property owner Molly Development Company, applicant Ian Ellis sought the board’s…
Land Development Code • By Kali Bramble • Nov 17, 2021
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Facing displacement, tenants organize to fight for their rights
Mark Menn first saw the flyer stapled to the large pecan trees that shade his apartment building. “NOTICE OF FILING OF APPLICATION FOR REZONING,” it read. “‘Have you seen this?” Menn, a 30-year resident, asked his neighbors. Many had not.…
Development • By Jonathan Lee • Nov 3, 2021
Planning Commission denies alcohol sales at Zilker Cafe
The Planning Commission Tuesday rejected the latest request to sell alcohol at Zilker Cafe amidst concerns about safety and unruly behavior at nearby Barton Springs Pool. The decision throws into doubt beer and wine sales at the recently renovated concession…
Parks • By Jonathan Lee • Oct 29, 2021
Environmental, neighborhood groups call for 'rewilding' Zilker Park
One of the city’s main environmental groups hopes to increase biodiversity and reduce the impact of visitors to Zilker Park by pushing for more natural growth of trees and other plant life in the popular central city park. The Save Our…
Parks • By Chad Swiatecki • Oct 18, 2021
As one family finds out, rezoning a property in Austin 'takes perseverance'
Most of the time, developers’ representatives appear before the Zoning and Platting Commission to request a zoning change. But on Tuesday, the commission heard a request not from someone looking to turn a profit, but from a family aiming to…
Zoning • By Jonathan Lee • Oct 11, 2021
Parks board again rejects proposal to sell alcohol at Zilker Cafe
The issue of alcohol sales at Zilker Cafe made its third and final appearance before the Parks and Recreation Board on Tuesday, with board members delivering a decisive 8-1 vote against recommending the proposal, given the cafe’s proximity – about…
Parks • By Amy Smith • Sep 30, 2021
The conversation continues over environmental impact of Brodie Oaks development
Last Wednesday, the Environmental Commission revisited a conversation about the Brodie Oaks planned unit development that began back in March. The PUD, which would encompass a 37.6-acre tract of land on the corner of South Lamar Boulevard and South Capital…
