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Council approves extended hours for five Red River music venues
Over the objections of a number of neighbors and nearby hotels, City Council approved a six-month pilot program Thursday that will allow a handful of bars on Red River Street to play outdoor live music one hour later into the…
City Council • By Jack Craver • Jan 27, 2017
Despite community concerns, Planning Commission approves Pershing House permit
The Planning Commission’s decision to approve a conditional use permit to the Pershing House, a private club on East Fifth Street, caused a stir on Tuesday. Activist Gavino Fernandez Jr. asked the commission to deny the request for a club or…
Planning • By Joseph Caterine • Jan 27, 2017
Advocates, lawyers and immigrants respond to 'sanctuary city' threats
In response to promises from state and federal governments to knock out so-called “sanctuary cities” Wednesday, roughly 30 people crowded atop a rickety podium to announce their support of Travis County Sheriff Sally Hernandez’s immigration policy. At the local headquarters…
Travis County • By Audrey McGlinchy, KUT • Jan 26, 2017
CTRMA and TxDOT disagree, putting project in potential holding pattern
A rare spat between the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority and the Texas Department of Transportation is clouding the prospects of a major project at the intersection of two separate toll roads. On Wednesday morning, CTRMA Director of Engineering Justin…
Roads • By Caleb Pritchard • Jan 26, 2017
For historic grants program, use-it-or-lose-it process leaves dollars unspent
Historic sites around Austin could be on the receiving end of money from the city’s fast-growing Hotel Occupancy Tax if the advisory body formed to examine how the tax revenue is allocated recommends that City Council relax the application process.…
Preservation • By Chad Swiatecki • Jan 26, 2017
Planning Commission recommends Council negotiate MUD consent agreement
At its last meeting, the Planning Commission voted to approve a staff recommendation on the second part of a request to amend the consent agreement for Moore’s Crossing, a municipal utility district east of Austin proper, in order to clarify…
Planning • By Joseph Caterine • Jan 26, 2017
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Eckhardt weighs in on sheriff's new ICE policy
Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt has issued a blistering response to Gov. Greg Abbott’s threat to turn off the state funding spigot for Travis County programs over Sheriff Sally Hernandez’s decision to stop cooperating with federal immigration officials at the…
Travis County • By Caleb Pritchard • Jan 25, 2017
Changes coming to Historic Landmark Commission
Mayor Steve Adler went on record at Tuesday’s City Council work session as opposing a loosening of the regulations for the Historic Landmark Commission to begin the process of designating Austin homes as historic. At the same time, Council Member…
Preservation • By Jo Clifton • Jan 25, 2017
How do demolitions affect Austin's affordable housing stock?
As Austin grapples with its affordability crisis, much of the focus has been on how city leaders can incentivize developers to build new housing that includes units reserved for residents at certain income levels. Some city leaders, however, suggest that…
Housing • By Jack Craver • Jan 25, 2017
What will the Lege do to Austin this year?
The debate over local control that will likely play out in the coming months at the Texas Capitol was on display at a panel Tuesday morning hosted by Leadership Austin. In a discussion that often veered into debate, three experts…
Texas State Legislature • By Jack Craver • Jan 25, 2017
Water conference raises open meetings questions
An attorney for the nonprofit League of Independent Voters of Texas warned the Texas Water Development Board on Sunday that the agency was in jeopardy of violating the Texas Open Meetings Act. However, by the end of the day Monday,…
Local Politics • By Jo Clifton • Jan 24, 2017
Austin to consider extending parking meter hours downtown
If you’ve ever tried to park in downtown Austin, you’ve probably found yourself circling the streets a few times before finding a spot. The city is exploring changes to make more parking available during peak traffic time – but that…
