Council rejects variance request for duplex in Waller Creek floodplain

City Council dashed the hopes of a homeowner who hoped to expand in the floodplain last week.   Council voted 7-0 to deny the variance that would allow construction of a duplex at 4515 Speedway. Though the homeowner, Jane Gyarmathy…

Uncategorized • By Elizabeth Pagano • Apr 4, 2013

Economist’s report says Austin needs to develop its food sector

A report from TXP economist Jon Hockenyos suggests that, though the City of Austin‘s food industry already contributes a substantial amount to the local economy, it has plenty of room for growth. This, according to the study, could include substantial…

Uncategorized • By Michael Kanin • Apr 3, 2013

Planning Commission denies tree variance for Co-op to develop housing

The Planning Commission, following the Environmental Board’s lead, has voted to deny a variance that would allow the University Co-op to remove a Heritage Tree.   A 31-inch heritage pecan tree currently stands in the middle of three lots at…

Uncategorized • By Elizabeth Pagano • Apr 3, 2013

Tug-of-war begins anew over how many police officers Austin needs

City of Austin budget season kicked off Monday with a return to a familiar battle over the question of how many police officers the city really needs.   Council Member Bill Spelman expressed his frustration over a report in the…

Uncategorized • By Michael Kanin • Apr 2, 2013

Panel backs plan for improvement to ACC Rio Grande Campus

The Planning Commission unanimously agreed to support a rezoning request by the Rio Grande campus of Austin Community College last week, though the request strays slightly from the Downtown Austin Plan.   ACC had four rezoning requests, all for buildings…

Uncategorized • By Elizabeth Pagano • Apr 2, 2013

Downtown alley art project coming soon

Inspired by places like Paris, Rome, and Seattle, Austin is getting creative with its alleys this month. World-traveled artist and architect Dan Cheetham will curate “20 FT Wide,” a pilot project that will transform the alley on 9th Street between…

Uncategorized • By Ramon Ramirez • Apr 1, 2013

Subscribe to our newsletter

Subscribe

Planning Commission denies zoning change in Zilker neighborhood

Owners of a property just up the hill from Zilker Park at 1201 Robert E. Lee Rd. have a tough road ahead for their Sunflower project. Despite the late hour at the Planning Commission last week, more than a dozen…

Uncategorized • By Elizabeth Pagano • Apr 1, 2013

Council fast-tracks codification of Downtown Density Bonus plan

City Council members instructed city staff Thursday to proceed with the codification of a fast-tracked version of the Downtown Density Bonus Program. The move came over the vocal objections of Mayor Lee Leffingwell and Council Member Chris Riley, who worried…

Uncategorized • By Michael Kanin • Apr 1, 2013

Council repeals Project Duration Ordinance, begins drafting replacement

Facing pressure from the state, the Austin City Council last night repealed the Project Duration Ordinance, retaining only the part of the code that is consistent with state law.   The ruling is effective immediately, and the scramble to craft…

Uncategorized • By Elizabeth Pagano • Mar 29, 2013

Council OKs SOS Ordinance variance to settle One World Theatre suit

Members of the Austin City Council voted narrowly Thursday to approve a site-specific exemption to the Save Our Springs Ordinance for the One World Theatre. The vote moves the city ahead along a path that calculated to end in a…

Uncategorized • By Michael Kanin • Mar 29, 2013

Leffingwell, Acevedo call for universal background checks for gun sales

Saying “now is the time for action,” Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell and Police Chief Art Acevedo called Thursday for universal background checks for all gun purchases to keep firearms out of the hands of the wrong people. Leffingwell spoke as…

Uncategorized • By Ramon Ramirez • Mar 29, 2013

Landmark Commission approves demo permit for Paramount Avenue home

The Historic Landmark Commission will allow a structure at 1912 Paramount Avenue in South Austin to be demolished despite a great deal of confusion surrounding its history.   The home, which is thought to have been built sometime in the…

Uncategorized • By Elizabeth Pagano • Mar 28, 2013

« Previous Page — Next Page »