Panel rejects plan for businesses to lease parking space in city parks

A Planning Commission committee firmly rejected the idea of leasing excess parkland parking spaces to surrounding businesses, an idea they labeled “the Casa de Luz” problem at a meeting on Tuesday night.   Casa de Luz’s issues began back in…

Uncategorized • By Kimberly Reeves • Apr 22, 2013

Council kicks off budget process grappling with affordability issues

With their first swipe at the city’s prospective fiscal year 2014 budget, Austin City Council members took aim Thursday at local affordability issues, the Austin Police Department’s force strength, and the city’s apparent inability to offer 3 percent raises to…

Uncategorized • By Michael Kanin • Apr 19, 2013

ZAP backs Steiner Ranch project variance over staff objections

Going against the advice of staff, the Zoning and Platting Commission narrowly recommended a cut and fill variance request for a Steiner Ranch project Tuesday night.   The commission voted 4-3 to recommend the approval of the variances for a…

Uncategorized • By Elizabeth Pagano • Apr 19, 2013

Budget writers wrestle with tax rates, raises, public safety costs

Early estimates for the FY2014 City of Austin budget project a potential $6.50 monthly increase in property taxes on the average homestead, which the city lists at $189,027. That figure is a rough estimate based on the highest possible tax…

Uncategorized • By Michael Kanin • Apr 18, 2013

Planning Commission backs Cirrus Logic plans for downtown expansion

Despite other battles company officials might be facing concerning plans for their downtown  campus, Cirrus Logic found support at the Planning Commission last week.   The commission voted in favor of a zoning request for some of the company’s downtown…

Uncategorized • By Elizabeth Pagano • Apr 18, 2013

Two Austin non-profits vie for same chunk of city budget

Two non-profits, Austin Playhouse and Skillpoint Alliance, ended up fighting each other last week for the same city funds. But city staff is working on a solution that may allow them to share.   Last week, Mayor Lee Leffingwell introduced…

Uncategorized • By Ramon Ramirez • Apr 18, 2013

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Two city boards reject plans for South Lamar PUD proposal

A proposed South Austin Planned Unit Development encountered more trouble at the Waterfront Planning Advisory Board last week.   Developers Post Paggi are seeking PUD zoning for their 211 South Lamar lot, currently the site of a Taco Cabana and…

Uncategorized • By Elizabeth Pagano • Apr 17, 2013

TDS considering desalinization plant for Edwards saline zone

Locally based waste handler Texas Disposal Systems is considering an ambitious plan to explore desalinization of water from the saline zone of the Edwards Aquifer. If undertaken, the project could also provide scientists and other interested parties a look at…

Uncategorized • By Michael Kanin • Apr 17, 2013

Senate, House panels debate measures to curb payday lending

The hearing on payday lending in the House Investments and Financial Services Committee on Monday was so uneventful as to practically guarantee the Senate version of the bill would be the one worth following.   The House has a number…

Uncategorized • By Kimberly Reeves • Apr 16, 2013

Planning Commission lays out criteria for reconsidering cases

The Planning Commission sent a message last week to those hoping for reconsideration of issues. The message was simple: be prepared.   Last month, the commission voted 6-3 to deny a variance that would have allowed developers to remove a…

Uncategorized • By Elizabeth Pagano • Apr 16, 2013

Utility commission continues push for independent Austin Energy board

Clearly frustrated with the direction taken last week by City Council members over the governance of Austin Energy, the city’s Electric Utility Commission passed yet another resolution last night urging Council to move toward a powerful independent governing board.  …

Uncategorized • By Michael Kanin • Apr 16, 2013

Council finalizes plans for improvements to Barton Springs pool area

After more than four years of discussions, improvements are finally coming to Barton Springs.   Once complete, the improvements will, in the words of Parks and Recreation Department Assistant Director Kimberly McNeely, “Take what we currently see at Barton Springs…

Uncategorized • By Elizabeth Pagano • Apr 15, 2013

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