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Reporter's Notebook: Considering the totality

Lodge party… After a divisive case in April concerning the use of the home at 2311 Shoal Creek Blvd., the question of whether a fraternity house is considered a single-family use or a club/lodge use was still up for debate.…

Uncategorized • By Austin Monitor • Jul 15, 2019

By decriminalizing homelessness, Austin stumbles into legalized busking

The city’s recent changes to ordinances intended to decriminalize homelessness may have, in a roundabout way, provided a new way for Austin musicians to earn money while also ending a years-long legal stalemate. The issue in question centers around busking,…

Austin • By Chad Swiatecki • Jul 12, 2019

Report finds Texas bipartisanship wins

Despite the “blue wave” election in 2018, Republicans maintained control of both houses of the Texas Legislature during the 2019 legislative session that just concluded. As expected, the majority of bills were authored and approved by Republicans. During the session,…

Texas State Legislature • By Jo Clifton • Jul 12, 2019

AW assures: Austin's lead pipes pose little threat

In the wake of the drinking water scandal in Flint, Michigan, the issue of lead in drinking water has come to the forefront of the nation’s – and Austin’s – attention. Until July 9, Matt Cullen of Austin Water said…

Water • By Jessi Devenyns • Jul 12, 2019

County approves new Steiner Ranch evacuation route over neighborhood opposition

The Travis County Commissioners Court voted unanimously Tuesday to approve a new emergency route to help residents of Steiner Ranch escape the community in the event of wildfires. The 600-foot road, known as Route B, will connect Flat Top Ranch…

Planning • By Jack Craver • Jul 12, 2019

Camping rules continue to stoke arguments

City Council’s decision to revise ordinances related to where homeless people may camp, sit or lie down continues to cause controversy in the city, with some claiming the changes are making things worse for everyone, particularly law enforcement. Mayor Steve…

Austin • By Jo Clifton • Jul 11, 2019

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Music Commission set to finalize proposal process for creative space bonds

The city’s Music Commission hopes to make a decision by September on how arts and music groups will be able to submit proposals to receive some of the city’s $12 million in creative spaces funding. At last week’s meeting, commissioners…

Music & Entertainment • By Chad Swiatecki • Jul 11, 2019

Board of Adjustment denies case in consideration of trees

On Monday night, trees became the centerpiece of a dock variance discussion at the Board of Adjustment. The property at 2710 Scenic Drive currently has a half-constructed boat dock, big enough for only one boat, that the new property owners…

Planning • By Jessi Devenyns • Jul 11, 2019

Texas' strong economy is making it harder for officials to hire part-time census workers

The U.S. Census Bureau is having a tough time hiring workers in Texas for the 2020 census because the unemployment rate is so low – which means nonprofits and local governments may have to step in to make sure there’s…

Austin • By Ashley Lopez, KUT • Jul 11, 2019

Eckhardt proposes land swap with city for Palm School

Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt is willing to give the city of Austin the historic Palm School building. But she wants a lot in return. In a July 3 letter addressed to Mayor Steve Adler and City Council, Eckhardt proposed…

Austin • By Jack Craver • Jul 10, 2019

Guernsey announces retirement

After 34 years with the city of Austin, Greg Guernsey, director of the Planning and Zoning Department, announced his retirement Tuesday. Guernsey’s last official day is July 31, but he’s planning to take vacation time, so his last day in…

City Hall • By Jo Clifton • Jul 10, 2019

UT Austin to give free tuition to low-income Texas students

The University of Texas System Board of Regents voted Tuesday to offer full tuition assistance to more UT Austin students, adding $160 million to an endowment to help cover costs. Undergraduates from Texas who come from families making up to…

Education • By Claire McInerny, KUT • Jul 10, 2019

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