Tag Archives: City of Austin Environmental Commission
Junior League contends with concerns over heritage trees
After a great deal of hand-wringing over the future of three heritage trees, the city’s Environmental Commission recommended that the Junior League of Austin be granted the several variances it needs to build a new facility in Northwest Austin at…
Environment • By Jack Craver • Jan 20, 2017
City defends stance on Dripping Springs discharge permit
Chris Herrington, an engineer with the city’s Watershed Protection Department, hopes to dispel the notion that the city of Austin is an “800-pound gorilla” that intimidates surrounding municipalities into submitting to its environmental policy. At the Dec. 7 meeting of…
Resources • By Joseph Caterine • Dec 14, 2016
City works to create more aggressive response to major floods
As Austin adjusts to the reality of major flooding on a regular basis, City Council is working to create a more comprehensive set of policies to respond to the damage caused by heavy rainstorms. Last year, Council created a Flood…
Environment • By Cate Malek • Nov 29, 2016
Broadstone 620 development limited by environmental risks
There are some limits to Austin’s breakneck expansion, and the developers of Broadstone 620 may have stumbled into them on Nov. 16. Austin’s Environmental Commission voted 7-2 not to recommend building a new wastewater system for the development because it…
Development • By Cate Malek • Nov 21, 2016
Environmental variances for church approved, despite lack of tree survey
The Environmental Commission approved a list of variance requests for the Iglesia Camino del Rey Church during its Nov. 4 meeting, despite the fact that there was no tree survey for review. The new church with parking will cover 10,000…
Environment • By Joseph Caterine • Nov 7, 2016
Hotel strives to preserve Austin’s heritage, but not all of its heritage trees
The developers of the Carpenter Hotel are trying to strike a delicate balance between protecting the environment, preserving Austin’s heritage and creating a viable business. That was the argument they made before the Environmental Commission on Oct. 19, when they…
Development • By Cate Malek • Oct 21, 2016
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Environmental Commission fears Austin Oaks PUD will threaten too many trees
After months of contentious negotiations, the Austin Oaks planned unit development is nearing its hearing before City Council. But the Environmental Commission hopes to hash out a better tree plan before deciding whether to sign off on the project. At…
Zoning • By Cate Malek • Sep 26, 2016
City begins work on new urban trails
Two new urban trails are set to begin construction next March, providing more options for Austinites who prefer to go carless. Teams should complete work on the Upper Boggy Creek Trail, serving neighborhoods on the east side, in November 2017.…
Parks • By Cate Malek • Aug 29, 2016
Environmental Commission recommends funds for river watchers
The health of Austin’s rivers is carefully monitored on a regular basis by a team of experts. But some of those experts are much younger than many people may realize. Austin Youth River Watch has been training at-risk high school…
Budget • By Cate Malek • Aug 11, 2016
City arborists need reinforcements
It’s easy to imagine that Austin’s trees are a natural feature of the city, but the abundant greenery lining the streets is actually protected and maintained by a tiny army of arborists. And, with new buildings being built every day,…
Environment • By Cate Malek • Aug 8, 2016
Environmental Commission pushes city to join lawsuit over SH 45 SW toll road
Citing concerns about whether a proposed state highway improvement project will contaminate Barton Springs, the Environmental Commission recommended that City Council join a lawsuit against the state agencies behind the project. The proposed toll road, which would be built between…
Environment • By Cate Malek • Jul 8, 2016
Commission OKs drainage discount for rain barrels
The city’s Environmental Commission endorsed a proposed ordinance last week that will give property owners the chance to lower their drainage fees if they make efforts to reduce runoff from their properties. Austin Water utility already provides a one-time rebate…
