Stories by Elizabeth Pagano
Board of Adjustment ponders Hyde Park fence
Fences may make for good neighbors. However, as one resident learned at the Board of Adjustment last week, in Hyde Park that only holds true for fences that fall within very specific parameters. Spencer Gibb was seeking a variance to…
Development • By Elizabeth Pagano • Aug 20, 2014
Commission OKs historic zoning for homes
Bucking the trend of requests for demolition permits in East Austin, two property owners requested historic zoning for their homes last week, winning an enthusiastic endorsement from the Historic Landmark Commission. The commission voted to approve historic zoning for the…
Development • By Elizabeth Pagano • Aug 19, 2014
Environmental Board nixes variance for tram
Though there was some debate, Environmental Board members in the end voted against granting a variance that would have allowed building a tram along Lake Austin. The board had already rejected a request at its previous meeting for a variance…
Environment • By Elizabeth Pagano • Aug 19, 2014
Commission nixes brew pub tasting room
A plan to open a tasting room in conjunction with a new East Austin brewery failed to win over the Planning Commission last week. Owners of the Blue Owl Brew Pub had hoped to reach a compromise with the neighborhood…
Development • By Elizabeth Pagano • Aug 18, 2014
Library staff holds the line on 2015 funds
Despite the imminence of a glowing new Central Library on the horizon, the library department kept it humble Wednesday afternoon. As part of the city’s budget process, City Council heard from Brenda Branch, director of the Austin Public Library department.…
Local Politics • By Elizabeth Pagano • Aug 14, 2014
Council hears feedback on boards and commissions transition
City Council heard opinions last week about a plan to move its massive boards and commissions network to the new 10-1 Council system next year. As anticipated, there were several complaints. The Boards and Commissions Transition Task Force issued its…
Local Politics • By Elizabeth Pagano • Aug 14, 2014
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ZAP OKs zoning change for northside bar
Those spoiling for a fight were left unfulfilled Tuesday night, when the Zoning and Platting Commission calmly recommended zoning for a northwest bar and restaurant, despite existing code violations. The owners of Pour House Pints and Pies at 11835 Jollyville…
Development • By Elizabeth Pagano • Aug 12, 2014
Environmental Board rejects fee hike for buyouts
A plan to finance Onion Creek home buyouts through an increase in the city’s drainage utility fee found no support at the Environmental Board last week. Board members asked City Council members to find another way. In a resolution passed…
Development • By Elizabeth Pagano • Aug 11, 2014
Economic Development Department changing perceptions, funding
Changes are coming to Austin’s Economic Development Department this year, with a new source of revenue and a plan to change the public’s perception of its mission. As the FY2015 budget cycle gets into full swing, the city is in…
Local Politics • By Elizabeth Pagano • Aug 11, 2014
Austin for All coalition brings organization, candidates together
There is a brand-new coalition in Austin to go with our brand-new city government. The group, Austin for All, is a coalition that has formed in order to show “united support for policies that will improve our city.” Members described…
Elections • By Elizabeth Pagano • Aug 8, 2014
Landmark Commission says no to neon sign for downtown P. Terry’s
P. Terry’s Burger Stand is coming to downtown Austin, but it will not be sporting a neon sign, much to the chagrin of its owner. Last week, the Historic Landmark Commission denied a request for a neon sign for P.…
Development • By Elizabeth Pagano • Aug 4, 2014
Landmark Commission considers Travis Heights bungalow relocation
The Historic Landmark Commission is taking a month to ponder whether it is worth going out on a limb to keep a Travis Heights bungalow in place. Don Garner is seeking permission to relocate his 1926 bungalow at 206 East…
