City Ethics Commission clears Almanza of conflict of interest

An emotional battle between a business shut down by the city and an Austin Parks and Recreation Board member came to an official end Wednesday. The fallout may be felt for some time, perhaps even into the next election cycle.…

Local Politics • By Jimmy Maas • Dec 6, 2013

PUC: Non-city utility customers must pay legal fees

The Texas Public Utility Commission has dismissed a complaint filed by a group of non-City of Austin ratepayers against Austin Energy. That dismissal means that ratepayers who are not Austin residents will foot the $1.55 million bill for the utility’s…

Local Government • By Jo Clifton • Dec 6, 2013

Commission stalls demolition permit in favor of relocating house

A dramatic back story failed to earn an initiation of historic zoning at the Historic Landmark Commission last month, much to the relief of an East Austin couple hoping to sell off their property.   The commission voted 4-0 to…

Development • By Elizabeth Pagano • Dec 5, 2013

Council to hash out Austin Energy issues in committee meeting

With Council Member Kathie Tovo pushing hard to gain approval of an ordinance that would offer more leeway for Austin Energy ratepayers in deep arrears on their bills, utility officials remained leery of the plan. It will all be hashed…

Local Politics • By Michael Kanin • Dec 5, 2013

Apartment occupancy rates, rental costs at all-time high

As Austin’s population continues to increase, occupancy rates and rents for apartments and the construction of new multifamily properties are at all-time high levels. And while that may be a financial boost for owners and landlords, City of Austin housing…

Development • By Mark Richardson • Dec 5, 2013

Council members question staff over code enforcement issues

Members of the Council’s Health and Human Services Committee Tuesday questioned city staff over their ongoing efforts to revamp code compliance. Code enforcement has been in the spotlight since a balcony collapse at the Woodridge Apartments set off a wave…

Development • By Michael Kanin • Dec 4, 2013

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ZAP cites density issues in denying planned Steiner Ranch project

The last residential project proposed for the Steiner Ranch development failed to win over a concerned Zoning and Platting Commission last month.   “It’s like we’re holding this hostage, and that’s really not appropriate… (But) I don’t want to read…

Development • By Elizabeth Pagano • Dec 4, 2013

County finds just $4.3 million to buy flood-ravaged homes

Travis County officials say they have searched their budgets, bond programs and possibly even the couch cushions to come up with $4.3 million to buy out damaged and destroyed homes from the Halloween floods.   But it will be another…

Development • By Mark Richardson • Dec 4, 2013

EUC advocates major policy change on line extensions

Taking a cue from the Austin City Council’s recent action to increase fees for hooking up new water and wastewater service, the city’s Electric Utility Commission has voted to ask the City Council to take similar action for extending new…

Resources • By Bill McCann • Dec 3, 2013

AFD calls for more rescue boats, improved notification systems

Just more than a month after the Halloween flood devastated parts of Austin and Travis County, Austin Fire Department representatives told the Public Safety Commission Monday that more rescue boats and an improved emergency notification system are needed to better…

Public Safety • By Gene Davis • Dec 3, 2013

City panel reviews plan to convert East Sixth to a ‘Festival Street’

A proposed “Festival Street” for downtown East Sixth Street got high marks from those on hand at the Council’s Comprehensive Planning and Transportation Committee Monday afternoon. The city has $1 million on hand for the project’s design, thanks to the…

Development • By Elizabeth Pagano • Dec 3, 2013

Project Connect defends decision to bypass Lamar corridor for transit

Almost two weeks after Project Connect recommended the Highland and East Riverside areas to move forward to the next phase of transit expansion in Austin, it opened itself to feedback on the plan last Tuesday.   And what most people…

Transportation • By Jimmy Maas • Dec 2, 2013

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