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…

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…

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…

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…

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.  …

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…

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Accusations traded over routine waste disposal contract

Council members Thursday approved a contract with Allied Waste Services for the company to handle a selection of class 2 non hazardous Austin Energy waste. By the time the 5-1 vote was recorded, however, the agreement was about much more…

Council passes Austin Energy governance measure on first reading

Austin City Council members Thursday passed on first reading an ordinance that would create an independent board for Austin Energy but it remains unclear exactly what powers that board might have. The events kicked off the first segment of debate…

Legislation could limit Austin's tree ordinances

Two bills pending before the Texas Legislature could have a dramatic effect on the future of Austin’s trees.  House Bill 1377, carried by Rep. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, would recognize all Texas landowner’s trees as “real property,” thereby undercutting state municipalities’ existing…

Board of Adjustment settles feud over three-inch strip of concrete

The Board of Adjustment conjured up some Solomon-like wisdom Monday night, trying to bring peace to feuding neighbors by splitting concrete.   Julie Lipton was seeking variances to maintain a deck and trellis at her 4416 Sinclair Avenue home. The…

Workman bill would give landowners expanded legal rights

Rep. Paul Workman, R-Austin, is fronting a mounting frustration among southwest Austin landowners, many of whom have taken years to get their development projects off the ground, only to face opposition from a city that some consider to be cozy…

More changes for LCRA’s management structure

Officials with the Lower Colorado River Authority have once again rearranged the organization’s management structure. The new set-up comes with the departure of longtime executive Kyle Jensen.   Jensen retired from the organization earlier this month. When he left, Jensen…