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Austin politics joins world of shadowy PAC action
Even though some political action committees have made a bigger splash in terms of negative messaging during this City Council election season, the Austin Firefighters Association, which has two political committees helping candidates, has spent the most money. Bob Nicks,…
Austin • By Jo Clifton • Dec 11, 2014
City may consider Lone Star funding commitment
Austin’s role in funding a proposed commuter rail line that would run through Austin and San Antonio is up in the air ahead of consideration at today’s City Council meeting, with staff and some Council members disagreeing on whether it…
Austin • By Tyler Whitson • Dec 11, 2014
Council may amend source-of-income ordinance
Austin City Council members, set to finalize an ordinance that would ban housing discrimination based on one’s source of income, will consider a language change that would bring their version of the rule in line with state and federal codes.…
Austin • By Michael Kanin • Dec 11, 2014
Hyde Park rezoning tests process, patience
A plan for a new restaurant in Hyde Park revealed bigger problems than just zoning Tuesday night, when a code interpretation had Planning Commissioners calling for a change in procedure. Navid Hoomanrad is seeking a zoning change from single family…
Austin • By Elizabeth Pagano • Dec 11, 2014
Decker golf proposal likely going to next Council
Lobbyist Richard Suttle surprised most observers Tuesday by asking City Council to postpone a decision on whether to allow his client, Decker Lake Golf LLC, to create a PGA-style golf complex at Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park. The request came…
Austin • By Jo Clifton • Dec 10, 2014
CAMPO board OKs list of future transit projects
The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization Transportation Policy Board approved a recommended list of regional transit projects Monday, including a commuter rail line from Elgin to Austin and multiple new MetroRapid Bus routes, to prioritize for potential funding under its…
Austin • By Gene Davis • Dec 10, 2014
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AE staff, stakeholders agree on gas plant review
Just in time for Council to consider it before the end of the year, Austin Energy and the environmental and business communities have cleared what appears to be the last hurdle of the 2025 energy generation resource plan. Austin Energy…
Austin • By Tyler Whitson • Dec 10, 2014
Riley plan for quarter-cent funds raises concerns
City Council Member Chris Riley ran into concerns from both Austin city management and his Council colleagues over a plan to use $20.4 million in funds raised through a Capital Metro one-quarter-cent tax agreement for transportation infrastructure improvements along Airport…
Austin • By Michael Kanin • Dec 10, 2014
Council braces for a long Thursday meeting
With a final agenda that has more than 230 items on it so far, Austin’s last at-large City Council looks determined to go out with a bang, and a really long meeting. On Tuesday, members discussed how to best deal…
City Council • By Elizabeth Pagano • Dec 10, 2014
Zoning and Platting says no to wheelchair tram
Following a lengthy discussion last week about setting precedents, the Zoning and Platting Commission narrowly voted to deny a property owner’s request to build a wheelchair tram from his backyard to Lake Austin. Applicant Rod Roberts said he requested variances…
Austin • By Tyler Whitson • Dec 9, 2014
Neighbors organize against planned Northwest PUD
The Austin Oaks Planned Unit Development in Northwest Austin has already come under fire, inspired an opposing website and sparked the creation of a new neighborhood alliance, despite being very early in the zoning process. Developers Spire Realty Group LP…
Austin • By Elizabeth Pagano • Dec 9, 2014
Mayoral, Council candidates still spending money
(This report was written by Monitor reporters Jo Clifton and Elizabeth Pagano.) There seems little doubt that the 2014 campaign for mayor will end up being the most expensive in the city’s history. Both Steve Adler and Mike Martinez, as…
