New liquor store one too many for Allendale

The Zoning and Platting Commission sent retail strip store owner Sam Buford back to negotiate with the Allendale Neighborhood Association last week after homeowners protested that the addition of Sun Wine & Spirits to Buford’s strip center was one liquor…

Uncategorized • By • Dec 12, 2005

Environmentalists split over amendments

New Charter proposals raise red flags for some Austin’s environmental community, often perceived as monolithic in its defense of Barton Springs, the Edwards Aquifer, and other parts of Central Texas, appears to be developing a split over a campaign by…

Uncategorized • By • Dec 8, 2005

Sonleitner responds to union

Commissioner says pay plan was budget buster Precinct Two Commissioner Karen Sonleitner is disputing claims made by the Travis County Sheriff’s Officers Association and the Travis County Sheriff’s Law Enforcement Officers Association. During their endorsement of rival Democrat Karen Eckhardt…

Uncategorized • By • Dec 7, 2005

Former Assistant County Attorney Sarah Eckhardt launched her campaign for the Democratic Party nomination for Travis County Commissioner in Precinct 2 on Monday with the backing of the two unions representing Travis County Sheriff’s Department employees. Officials with both the Travis County Sheriff’s Officers Association (TCSOA) and the Travis County Sheriff’s Law Enforcement Officers Association (TCSLEA) said they believed they had been mistreated by incumbent Commissioner Karen Sonleitner during this summer’s budget discussions, specifically on issues relating to the Sheriff’s Office and the pay scale for employees.

“Karen Sonleitner lost a lot of our respect and credibility during this year’s budget process,” said Alex Leo of the Travis County Sheriff’s Office Association during a news conference announcing the group’s endorsement. “Leaders of both associations met with her…

Uncategorized • By • Dec 6, 2005

Neighbors say remodeling permits used to mask demolition

Council Member Lee Leffingwell and members of the Historic Preservation Task Force have expressed concern about owners of historic structures who take advantage of remodeling permits to demolish their houses. Task Force members heard last week about several instances where…

Uncategorized • By • Dec 5, 2005

Council OKs changes on Champion tracts

Items approved 4-2, will come back for final vote In what at times played out like a courtroom drama, the Austin City Council listened to almost four hours of arguments for and against approving a set of zoning changes last…

Uncategorized • By • Dec 2, 2005

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Firefighters leader running for Council

Martinez to stress affordability, environment Firefighters union leader Mike Martinez Wednesday made good on his pledge to run for the Austin City Council. Martinez, 36, designated former Mayor Pro Tem Jackie Goodman as his campaign treasurer. He said he would…

Uncategorized • By • Dec 1, 2005

Builders, NAACP sue Kyle

Suit says zoning rules discriminate against minorities An unlikely coalition—the Home Builders Association of Greater Austin, the National Homebuilders Association and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)—has filed suit against the City of Kyle, saying its…

Uncategorized • By • Nov 30, 2005

Thomas announces, preaches inclusion

Mayoral candidate disagrees with APA on Chief Knee Mayor Pro Tem Danny Thomas officially launched his 2006 mayoral campaign Monday with an announcement outside City Hall, calling for more inclusiveness in city government while offering some carefully-worded and subdued criticism…

Uncategorized • By • Nov 29, 2005

Vancouver could inspire code changes

ZAP starts process to aid affordable housing, open space The Zoning and Platting Commission has started the process to introduce a series of amendments to the City Code designed to generate more money for affordable housing in downtown Austin. The…

Uncategorized • By • Nov 28, 2005

WilCo EOC not yet popular with cities

If Williamson County builds a multi-million dollar Emergency Operations Center, will the cities in the surrounding area come and participate? So far, the answer is not yet. County Commissioners recently approved $20 million, along with a $6 million federal grant,…

Uncategorized • By • Nov 22, 2005

Council hears plan for Green redevelopment

Area could be ready for big change in late 2007 The city’s Green Water Treatment Plant is more than 80 years old and is really showing its age, according to Austin Water Utility officials. That means it would cost less…

Uncategorized • By • Nov 21, 2005

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