Although many believe that it is better to reuse treated wastewater than to discharge it into bodies of water, not all agree on how state law could incentivize reuse. City and regional stakeholders are drafting a proposal that might achieve that goal, and despite having hit some snags, it received encouragement from the Environmental Commission […]
City of Austin Environmental Commission
An advisory board to members of the Austin City Council. Its purview includes “all projects and programs which affect the quality of life for the citizens of Austin.” In many cases, this includes development projects.
Posted inDevelopment, Environment
Environmental Board sides with trees over variance
The future of two live oak trees in a downtown Austin parking lot sparked vigorous debate at a Wednesday meeting of the Environmental Commission, which ultimately recommended against the city granting a variance to its Heritage Tree Ordinance to make room for a proposed hotel. Dave Anderson, an attorney engineer with the Drenner Group representing […]
Posted inReporters' Notebook
Reporter’s Notebook: The return
Council changes positions – literally… At their Thursday meeting, City Council members drew from a hat to determine where they will sit on the dais for the next six months. Mayor Steve Adler, who will remain seated in the middle between the city attorney and city manager, explained, “We decided as a Council we would […]
Posted inCity Hall
Environmental Board gives green light to project
Last week the Environmental Board recommended a waiver for a new building on Shoal Creek downtown. The waiver will allow encroachment into the 70-degree angle of the city’s waterfront overlay. Though the Environmental Board is required to hear about the waiver, it isn’t technically required to weigh in. It is ultimately up to the Planning […]
Posted inAustin
Hyde Park area residents point to flooding causes
Flood maps in hand, several Hyde Park area residents pointed to poorly designed sewer drains and a blocked retention pond pipe as major contributing factors to the area’s Memorial Day flooding. Tanya Quinn and Mary Ingle, who live near the intersection of East 33rd and Grooms streets, asked Austin’s Environmental Board for an updated flood […]
Posted inCity Hall
Board says no to SH45 SW
Austin’s Environmental Board is giving City Council a clear message: The State Highway 45 Southwest road project should not move forward. At the board’s regular meeting Wednesday, members passed a motion declaring that they “(did) not support the building of SH45 SW as currently proposed.” Among other directives, the motion recommends that Council ask the Texas […]
Posted inEnvironment
City’s 2014 heritage tree results a mixed bag
Austin’s heritage tree ordinance is effectively protecting the city’s healthy historical trees, though last year saw the loss of a considerable number of them due to poor health and related issues. That sums up what Keith Mars, environmental coordinator for the Development Services Department, said May 6 when he presented his 2014 City Arborist Heritage […]
Posted inPreservation, Resources, Water
Downward oxygen trend a risk for salamanders
Barton Springs is the only known home to the endangered and federally protected Barton Springs and Austin Blind salamanders. Unfortunately, for these unique creatures, the level of life-sustaining dissolved oxygen in their ecosystem has dropped on average over the past 35 years. Watershed Protection Department engineer Abel Porras brought the issue to the Wednesday meeting […]
Posted inEnvironment, Planning
Concerns raised over 18-foot-wide trail design
A proposed urban trail that is as wide as a city street became an issue Wednesday, after residents voiced concern about the pathway’s design. During an April 1 meeting, Environmental Board members heard an update on the Upper Boggy Creek Trail design. The Public Works Department is gathering input from the city’s boards and commissions on […]
Posted inDevelopment, Environment
Environmental Board gives nod to Lake Austin tram
A homeowner hoping to build a tram to Lake Austin continued his quest through the city’s boards and commissions last week. Chris Pacitti, who owns the home at 70 Pascal Lane, had more luck at the Environmental Board, which recommended his variance request. The Board of Adjustment denied a different request for the same tram […]
Posted inRoads, Transportation
City says SH45 SW environmental study unsound
Austin’s Environmental Board is looking at its options after hearing from city staff that the approved environmental impact study, or EIS, for State Highway 45 Southwest is not based on sound science. The EIS was prepared by TxDOT and CTRMA, with assistance from consultants. Chuck Lesniak, environmental officer with the City of Austin, presented the news […]
Posted inCity Council, Environment, Uncategorized, Water
Riverboat contract has a sewage problem
Mayor Pro Tem Kathie Tovo and City Council Member Leslie Pool raised concerns last week about Lone Star Riverboat’s practices at the regular Council meeting Thursday, postponing the vote on a revenue contract until March 26. A memo to Council regarding the contract outlined sewage and marine toilet compliance issues and questioned whether Lone Star’s […]