At last Wednesday’s meeting of the Environmental Commission, the Watershed Protection Department requested a water service extension for a 280-unit, multifamily project on a parcel nearly 70 acres in size, at 8921 U.S. Highway 290 West. The property was originally intended to become a sports complex, but after a change of plans, the proposed development […]
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 inPlanning
Statesman PUD proposal needs improvement, Environmental Commission says
The planned unit development proposed for the former Austin American-Statesman property is not an environmentally superior project in the eyes of the Watershed Protection Department, but it could achieve superiority if the developer agrees to more than a dozen conditions. Drawing on the department’s opinion, the Environmental Commission took a similar position Wednesday, voting unanimously […]
Posted inPlanning
Council OKs annexation for Bull Creek site
With Council members Alison Alter and Kathie Tovo opposed, City Council on Thursday approved the annexation of a 25-acre site at 11213 FM 620 and ensured the administrative approval of redevelopment of a wastewater lift station close to the headwaters of Bull Creek. While environmentalists worry that allowing service could endanger the Jollyville Plateau salamander, […]
Posted inDevelopment
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 of Texas Highway, must exceed certain environmental standards in order to secure the commission’s recommendation before […]
Posted inEnvironment
Watershed strategic plan revisions on the way
The Environmental Commission heard the first of many presentations last Wednesday as the Watershed Protection Department begins its effort to comprehensively rewrite its strategic plan for the first time since 2001. The strategic plan update is a three-year outreach process that would prioritize the input of historically underserved groups in reshaping the department’s approach to determining […]
Posted inEnvironment
Watershed Protection sets high bar for restoring Waller Creek
With the city and its public and private partners out to restore and enhance the Waller Creek delta that runs from Fourth Street to Lady Bird Lake, the southern stretch of Waterloo Greenway is due for more work. This section of the creek holds the dubious distinction of being one of the five worst erosion […]
Posted inEnvironment
Environmental commissioners brush up on tree preservation 101
On Wednesday, the Environmental Commission revisited heritage tree ordinances, general preservation efforts going on around Austin and the rules for protecting and building around trees, with city arborist Naomi Rotramel and Community Tree Preservation Division Manager Keith Mars. Austin’s original tree ordinances were first adopted in 1983, largely thanks to the early advocacy of Margret […]
Posted inParks
Proposed code amendments could be the path to more trails
Urban trails provide multiple benefits, but getting those trails built isn’t always a walk in the park. With so many residents relying on Austin’s network of trails for recreation and multi-use transportation, city officials are hoping to respond to the demand more quickly by creating a more efficient administrative process for design and permitting. Enter […]
Posted inZoning
Northwest Austin cave prompts ZAP to postpone vote on apartment complex
With more questions than answers available to consider a proposed multifamily development at a Luby’s cafeteria in Northwest Austin, the Zoning and Platting Commission delayed a vote for two weeks on Aug. 3. The property is located on the southwest corner of Steck and MoPac Expressway, with the project calling for a 275-unit apartment complex, […]
Posted inPlanning
Canyon rimrock complicates reconstruction of Lake Austin boat dock
On July 7, the Environmental Commission approved a variance request to deconstruct and rebuild the Norris boat dock located at 1874 Westlake Drive. Scott Hiers, program manager for the Watershed Protection Department, presented pertinent details to the commission, including site characteristics, the property description, background, as well as critical environmental features of the property. “The […]
Posted inEnvironment
Watershed Protection makes departmental changes
In response to the retirements of key personnel, and to better respond to Austin’s growth while retaining the city’s environmental identity, the Watershed Protection Department has undergone a staff reorganization, Director Jorge Morales told the Environmental Commission at its Tuesday meeting. The changes both restructure and temporarily fill the job vacancies that were created with […]
Posted inEnvironment
Watershed report shines a light on racism in tank farm history
If awards were given out for annual reports, the Austin Watershed Protection Department’s recently released 2020 “State of Our Environment” would be a strong contender for its in-house production of a video documenting the East Austin community’s successful battle against a petroleum storage tank farm in the early 1990s. Environmental Officer Chris Herrington and Kaela […]