Parks department needs 600 lifeguards by May

In anticipation of the upcoming swim season, Parks and Recreation Department Director Kimberly McNeeley submitted a memorandum to City Council on Jan. 22 that contained an update on maintenance and staffing in the city’s aquatics department. The memo states that the…

Parks • By Sean Saldaña • Feb 10, 2021

By opposing North Austin rezoning, Kelly sets tone for future zoning cases

At last week’s City Council meeting, new member Mackenzie Kelly offered a first glimpse of her approach to zoning cases: respect for neighborhood opposition. Kelly cast the lone dissenting vote in a request to allow multifamily housing on a North…

Zoning • By Jonathan Lee • Feb 10, 2021

Local leaders say Samsung deal could boost middle-skill jobs

As city staffers continue to work behind the scenes negotiating an economic incentive package with Samsung to bring a $17 billion manufacturing operation to Austin, some local leaders see the deal as a large positive step for increasing so-called middle-skill…

Austin • By Chad Swiatecki • Feb 9, 2021

Austin Public Health's vaccine data shows more effort is needed to reach Black and Hispanic residents

Austin Public Health is now publishing demographic data on its Covid-19 vaccine distributions. The data is available in an online dashboard that will be updated weekly. The dashboard shows that as of Jan. 29, APH had distributed 31,251 doses. About 70 percent…

Public Health • By Marisa Charpentier, KUT • Feb 9, 2021

Former East Austin tank farm to become PUD

After years of failed proposals and persistent remediation efforts, the Environmental Commission unanimously voted last Wednesday to advance the development of a former East Austin tank farm into a mixed-use development called Springdale Green. Located near the intersection of Springdale Road…

Planning • By Ramon Rodriguez • Feb 9, 2021

Ellen Wyse house denied historic designation, after owners protest

A debate at the Jan. 26 meeting of the Planning Commission centered around the merits of historic preservation versus the potentially regressive effects of a historic landmark designation on cash-strapped property owners. The owners and developer of the Ellen Wyse…

Preservation • By Seth Smalley • Feb 9, 2021

Subscribe to our newsletter

Subscribe

After OK by Austin, ESD vote goes to Travis County

City Council voted unanimously Thursday to allow voters in the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction within Emergency Services District 2 to vote on whether to create Travis County Emergency Services District 17. If approved by voters, the vote would authorize creation of…

Public Safety • By Jo Clifton • Feb 8, 2021

Demolition proposal receives pushback from Tarrytown residents, commission delays decision

A demolition request for a 1938 home received a surprising amount of pushback from community members at the Jan. 25 meeting of the Historic Landmark Commission. The home at 2803 Bonnie Road was first constructed for Frank D. and Ollie…

Preservation • By Sean Saldaña • Feb 8, 2021

Austin ISD Board of Trustees postpones vote on real estate consulting services

Four Austin ISD school closures in one year has left parents worried about the district’s renewed interest in seeking real estate consulting services for its properties. Fearing more closures, concerned parents called in to ask for postponement of the vote…

AISD • By Sumaiya Malik, Reporting Texas • Feb 8, 2021

Austin approves $23M to help prevent gentrification near new transit hubs

Austin City Council has put $23 million toward projects to stop people from getting priced out of their neighborhoods. It’s the first use of money from a larger anti-displacement fund set up to soften the gentrifying effects of planned rail…

City Council • By Mose Buchele, KUT • Feb 8, 2021

Council passes HEAL resolution to connect homeless to housing, address camping

Those experiencing homelessness and camping in four areas around Austin may soon find permanent homes. By passing the Housing-Focused Homeless Encampment Assistance Link resolution (HEAL) on Thursday, City Council set in motion a plan to move people from places that…

City Council • By Jonathan Lee • Feb 5, 2021

Council approves District 6 hotel purchase for homeless

After hearing from scores of citizens, both in favor of and opposed to the purchase, City Council voted 10-1 Thursday to buy a hotel in far Northwest Austin for conversion to permanent supportive housing for people experiencing chronic homelessness. The…

City Council • By Jo Clifton • Feb 5, 2021

« Previous Page — Next Page »