Callout: Today’s newsletter is supported by “Austin Parks Foundation’s Party for the Parks”
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Quote of the Day
This is a phenomenal waste of money. All the projections and claims that we need this because we’re turning away (convention) business are completely false and unjustified.”
— Save Our Springs Executive Director Bill Bunch, from “Convention Center site plan moves forward.”
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Austin’s housing, transportation projects face ongoing federal funding uncertainty
From Chad Swiatecki:
A recent city memo warns that federal programs the city relies on for housing, infrastructure and mobility face new uncertainty, even as some substantial local projects are designed and ready to move forward.
A Sept. 23 memo from Government Relations Officer Carrie Rogers details the city’s recent lobbying efforts in Washington D.C. and emphasizes that federal funding remains unpredictable which puts more responsibility on state and local leaders to find resources for major initiatives.
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Today’s newsletter is supported by “Austin Parks Foundation’s Party for the Parks”
Join Austin Parks Foundation for the 11th Annual Party for the Parks, featuring Passion Pit! This beloved event is happening under the lights at ACL in Zilker Park on Wednesday, October 8th.
Partygoers will enjoy delicious dining options, libations from Austin’s premiere beverage brands, games, a live auction and an intimate concert—all while helping raise funds for our city’s nearly 400 parks, trails and green spaces. Click here to get your tickets and join the fun!
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Convention Center site plan moves forward
City Council approved the site plan for the $1.5 billion reconstruction of the Austin Convention Center last week, completing a procedural step required under the city’s land development code. The plan establishes the development regulations for the 1.5-million-square-foot facility, and waives any conflicting standards
The public hearing held prior to the 9-0 approval drew criticism from opponents over the possible total cost of the project, as well as the demand for more transparency from convention center staff. Council Member Marc Duchen abstained, saying he was was unhappy with receiving a large volume of requested information just before the item came before Council. Council Member Natasha Harper-Madison was not present for the vote.
Planning Commissioners endorsed the plan in July, and staff recommended approval. The Design Commission also weighed in, urging more pedestrian protections, greater transparency at street level, and stronger connections to Brush Square, Waller Creek, and Waterloo Greenway.
The plan commits the city to its Great Streets program and requires continued coordination with Austin Water, Transportation and Public Works and Waterloo Greenway on drainage, utility alignment and traffic management. Portions of the site lie in the 100-year floodplain, with stormwater upgrades and interdepartmental agreements required before a certificate of occupancy is issued
Speaker Bobby Levinsky told Council the re-posted site plan lacks clarity about what development regulations are being established and whether waivers are embedded in the 126-page plan. He said staff had listed “none” under waivers, but his review found at least 17 drainage and utility criteria waivers and unresolved questions about how the project’s outfall into Waller Creek will be handled.
Bill Bunch, a longtime opponent of the project, said he and others in opposition are moving ahead with an effort to force a ballot proposal that could allow voters to decide its fate.
“Let us vote on it,” he said. “This is a phenomenal waste of money. All the projections and claims that we need this because we’re turning away (convention) business are completely false and unjustified.”
— Chad Swiatecki
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Elsewhere in the News
KUT has an update on the Taylor data center lawsuit.
A new plan from APD aims to reduce break-ins at Austin parks.
Community Impact reports on the tax rate adopted by AISD, which could mean lower tax bills for some area property owners.
And KXAN reports on a different way the district can earn money — through naming rights for school facilities.
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