ZAP rejects medical office zoning for Jollyville Road home

The Zoning and Platting Commission at its last meeting rejected a requested zoning change for a home at 11777 Jollyville Road. The chiropractor who purchased the property earlier this year wants to convert the property into an office for his…

Uncategorized • By Austin Monitor • Sep 30, 2008

Cap Metro anticipates gloomy economic picture, more riders

Capital Metro board members have approved a budget with $215 million in revenues for 2009 that includes a small increase in sales tax revenues combined with a sizeable projected increase in ridership.  The budget projects expenditures of $182 million, more…

Uncategorized • By Mark Richardson • Sep 30, 2008

Historic Preservation program works to preserve city’s heritage

Historic preservation in Austin began with the creation of the Historic Landmark Commission almost 25 years ago and continues as programs are added to meet new needs and new philosophies in preservation, Historic Preservation Officer Steve Sadowsky told the City…

Uncategorized • By Kimberly Reeves • Sep 29, 2008

Council approves expansion plans for Dell Jewish Community Center

After a flurry of last-minute negotiations, the Dell Jewish Community Center and its surrounding neighborhoods worked out their differences Thursday evening and Council approved planned unit development (PUD) zoning for the center’s expansion. The “J,” as it is known, is…

Uncategorized • By Mark Richardson • Sep 29, 2008

Martinez proposes tougher regulations for tow truck drivers

Austin City Council Member Mike Martinez on Thursday announced plans for an update to the city’s regulations for wrecker drivers. Noting numerous incidents of improper towing, Martinez wants to strengthen the punishment for wrecker drivers or towing companies found to…

Uncategorized • By Austin Monitor • Sep 26, 2008

Citing Proposition 2, Council approves funds for bond validation suit

The Austin City Council has approved a resolution to hire outside legal help to mitigate the unintended consequences the proposed Stop Domain Subsidies charter amendment might have on the Mueller Airport redevelopments.  In addition, city staff will make a presentation…

Uncategorized • By Austin Monitor • Sep 26, 2008

City closing Convention Center to Hurricane Ike evacuees

If all goes according to plan, most of the Hurricane Ike evacuees staying at the Austin Convention Center will be aboard buses on their way back home today. City officials say with a wiring upgrade scheduled for parts of the…

Uncategorized • By Mark Richardson • Sep 25, 2008

Planning Commissions says no to major changes to Block 18

The Planning Commission supported the recommendation of developer Michael Casias and neighborhood associations for zoning changes on Block 18 in East Austin Tuesday night, but the vote left commissioners vaguely unsettled about which zoning changes were necessary to make the…

Uncategorized • By Kimberly Reeves • Sep 25, 2008

Despite feelings of some, Garcia not interested in apology from Ott

Although some members of the Hispanic community are seeking an apology from City Manager Marc Ott for allegedly showing disrespect to some of their leaders last month, former Mayor Gus Garcia said Wednesday, “I’m not particularly interested in apologies.”  …

Uncategorized • By Austin Monitor • Sep 25, 2008

Unidos meeting off

Uncategorized • By Austin Monitor • Sep 24, 2008

Task force studies new rules for downtown events

The Street Closure Task Force is moving closer to drafting a recommendation to the City Council for new rules for holding events downtown. At Monday night’s meeting, members discussed how to define who is affected by street closures and came…

Uncategorized • By Austin Monitor • Sep 24, 2008

Landmark Commission sees history in artistic South Austin home

The Historic Landmark Commission – lacking its chair and any owner-contested cases – made quick work of this week’s agenda, including the recommendation to initiate historic landmark cases on one house and approve historic zoning on two other homes with…

Uncategorized • By Kimberly Reeves • Sep 24, 2008