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MAP: Central Austin neighborhoods are providing the most feedback on CodeNEXT

The complete rewrite of the city’s Land Development Code known as CodeNEXT will have significant effects on housing, transportation and commercial development throughout Austin in the coming years. But so far, public input on the code has been anything but…

Increased support outside ARCH to target crime, help homeless

Four months after city officials called on the Austin Police Department and other public safety departments to address a spike in drug use around the Austin Resource Center for the Homeless, the next phase of help is about to begin.…

Travis County bush

Crucial uncertainty remains after Commissioners Court chooses bond projects

After a morning and afternoon marked by high pique and dudgeon, the Travis County Commissioners Court on Tuesday approved a $280 million slate of transportation, parks and drainage projects to be funded by taxpayer-backed bonds. The list is split between…

Unhappy with pools plan, Council members push for a new task force

Unsatisfied with an Aquatic Master Plan that they say endangers many of Austin’s most beloved pools, some City Council members are pushing for a new pools task force to explore ways the city could raise more money to preserve its…

Council considers using city-owned buildings to ease overcrowding at homeless shelters

City Council is looking at using city-owned buildings as temporary homeless shelters. The idea comes from Mayor Pro Tem Kathie Tovo, who says overcrowding at downtown shelters has led to harsh conditions for people experiencing homelessness. Speaking at City Hall…

Imposing owls may soon nest near Butterfly Bridge

You may soon notice two pairs of orange, warm glowing orbs peeking over the new Butterfly Bridge downtown after it is complete, at least if the Arts Commission approves two gigantic owls to greet Austinites and tourists. The New American…

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Public Safety Commission hears update on Austin's homeless

Representatives from the Ending Community Homelessness Coalition (ECHO) and the Austin Police Department’s Homeless Outreach Street Team (HOST) briefed the Public Safety Commission Monday night on the state of the city’s homeless population. “I think in Austin we know what…

City discusses the future of Austin waterways in the face of zebra mussel infestation

The city needs to batten down the hatches and get ready for the zebra mussel invasion, according to Liz Johnston, environmental program coordinator for the Watershed Protection Department. On Wednesday, Johnston brought the Environmental Commission up to speed on the…

Daugherty set to ruffle feathers with Reimers-Peacock push

Tuesday could be a bumpy ride for Reimers-Peacock Road. The long-planned connector between Hamilton Pool Road and State Highway 71 is set to play a featured role in the Travis County Commissioners Court’s expected final discussion of project recommendations for…

Austin residents are beginning to move back into renovated public housing

Lisa Martinez walks around her newly renovated two-bedroom apartment at Manchaca Village, pointing out her favorite features: the blue accent wall in her living room, a new washer and dryer, and, best of all, a new dishwasher. It has made…

Mayor Adler wants a task force on gentrification. We've had plenty of those.

For five weeks in 2001, Karen Paup spent her afternoons with other Austin residents talking about the city’s changing east side. The group included a pastor, a developer and a now-professor at New York University. “We shared anecdotes, we looked…

Council to consider changes for waste disposal contracts

A series of recommendations made by a City Council working group seeks to address concerns from environmentalists and private waste haulers about how the city chooses the companies it pays to pick up and dispose of waste generated by its…