Latest Headlines for Monday, May 23

Sixth Street plans could create cushion for new incubator music venues

While new mega-capacity venues such as the Moody Center (capacity 15,000) or the Moody Amphitheater (5,000) attract high-ticket tours from established performers, the smaller clubs that can hold 300 people or less are often the most threatened by the city’s…

Planning • By Chad Swiatecki • May 23, 2022

ABIA attempts 'unusual' use of eminent domain to force out South Terminal operator

Ask anyone stuck on an airplane waiting for a gate at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport if the Barbara Jordan Terminal is big enough, and you’ll hear something like this: “It’s mind-boggling to me that Bergstrom has not grown as it’s needed…

Transportation • By Nathan Bernier, KUT • May 23, 2022

Public divided over proposed development rules

Members of the public weighed in Thursday on changes to Vertical Mixed-Use (VMU) zoning and the potential for relaxed development rules along busy streets as City Council continued discussions on the proposals.  Opinions were split among those who spoke at…

City Council • By Jonathan Lee • May 23, 2022

Alamo Drafthouse owners bought an old school and promised affordable housing. Years later, there is none.

For a moment, the possibilities for a former school building in one of Austin’s most coveted neighborhoods seemed endless. A contemporary arts center with space for restaurants. What about a community theater? The 4-acre spot in Hyde Park, several groups…

Austin • By Audrey McGlinchy, KUT • May 20, 2022

Council puts off fixing environmental rules for east side

At the urging of Mayor Steve Adler and Council Member Paige Ellis, City Council postponed voting on a resolution Thursday that would begin to equalize environmental regulations in Central and East Austin with protections that have long been standard in…

Environment • By Jo Clifton • May 20, 2022

Waterways beginning to recover from Samsung acid waste spill

The tributary of Harris Branch Creek in Northeast Austin is beginning to recover from an acid waste spill that killed off the creek’s aquatic life. Samsung’s semiconductor facility discharged as much as 763,000 gallons of the acidic waste into its…

Environment • By Willow Higgins • May 20, 2022

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Council endorses development bonuses near the Capitol

A rule prohibiting tall buildings near the Texas Capitol may soon be relaxed, opening up a sleepy part of downtown to more development. City Council passed a resolution Thursday that would allow properties currently under the Capitol Dominance Overlay –…

Planning • By Jonathan Lee • May 20, 2022

Stream Realty reveals plans for reinventing 'dirty Sixth'

If the downtown Sixth Street entertainment district is going to achieve a successful transformation in the coming years, the first real glimpse of its future will come from the improvements planned for the north side of the two blocks between…

Planning • By Chad Swiatecki • May 19, 2022

City provides update on Covid-19 funding, plan for ‘maximizing’ impact

The city of Austin spent $535.6 million related to Covid-19 through Dec. 31, 2021, according to a May 6 memo from Chief Financial Officer Ed Van Eenoo to Mayor Steve Adler and City Council members.  About 53 percent of those costs…

City Hall • By Emma Freer • May 19, 2022

Austin's airport now wants people to arrive three or more hours before departure

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is busier than ever. With more than 250 flights a day, the airport is drawing an unprecedented number of passengers. But airline counters, TSA screening lines and concession businesses don’t have enough employees. The result has been notoriously…

Transportation • By Nathan Bernier, KUT • May 19, 2022

More homes on the way to substandard Rogers Lane

Rogers Lane, a steep, narrow road in East Austin, has seen substantial development recently. On Tuesday, the Zoning and Platting Commission heard a rezoning case that could bring 107 additional units to the street, drawing concern from some residents. The…

Zoning • By Jonathan Lee • May 19, 2022

TipSheet: Austin City Council, 5.19.22

Today’s City Council meeting could be a long one, with a few contentious items on the agenda in addition to a list of smaller things that can add up quickly. As usual, we’ve gathered the things that are most interesting…

TipSheets • By Elizabeth Pagano • May 19, 2022

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NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

Nonprofit spotlight: Four questions for American Gateways

American Gateways ensures access to the justice system for low-income immigrants. We serve 23 counties in Central Texas and provide high-quality legal representation and accurate information about what is happening in our immigration system. What is the mission of American…