Two projects intending to replace the internationally famous “Graffiti Park” came before the Planning Commission on Jan. 28. However, only the 10-condo Colorfield project at 1006 Baylor St. received the commission’s recommendation. When the Historic Landmark Commission approved the demolition of the HOPE Outdoor Gallery – nicknamed Graffiti Park – in 2018, the site was divided […]
Jessi Devenyns
Posted inPlanning
A heated ZAP tackles displacement
Nearly two years to the day citizens debuted the People’s Plan on Martin Luther King Day 2018, the topic of displacement mitigation came before the Zoning and Platting Commission for an update. On Jan. 21, commissioners listened to a report on how the city’s strategic initiatives aimed at mitigating displacement are progressing. Under the Neighborhood […]
Posted inDevelopment
East Austin 2K-acre PUD gets unanimous seal of approval from Environmental Commission
The future of a decades-old sand and gravel mine just east of the Austin city limits on Harold Green Road is now clearer with the latest set of plans developers presented to the Environmental Commission on Jan. 15. Known as the Austin Green PUD, the 2,122-acre property has been marching through city planning for nearly […]
Posted inEnvironment
Monetizing the carbon cycle may lead to ecological solutions
In the very near future, there is a possibility that Texas landowners will be able to reduce carbon emissions while earning money on their unused land. Jim Blackburn, a professor at Rice University and the president of the Trinity-Edwards Springs Protection Association came to the Environmental Commission on Jan. 15 to present an idea for […]
Posted inPlanning
Commission calls city’s approach to South Austin planning “piecemeal”
Cases that come before the Zoning and Platting Commission are reviewed individually. But when a zoning request change at 12001 S. Interstate 35 came up at the Jan. 7 meeting, it caused the commission to lament the overall process for being too myopic. “Austin has gotten so far from planning,” said Commissioner Jim Duncan. “Unfortunately, […]
Posted inPlanning
Planning Commission supports request for 400-foot buildings in East Austin
There are not many places in the city where buildings tower 400 feet into the sky. However, there is a chance that the areas of Austin where these skyscrapers are permitted are about to expand. In a 9-0-1 vote, the Planning Commission recommended the approval of a planned development area combining district on the site […]
Posted inLand Development Code
BOA denies a new build designed for a new decade
When the first Lake Austin Watershed Ordinance went into effect in 1980, some properties had development rights curtailed overnight. The property at 2803 Edgewater Drive is one of those cases where the ordinance limited the buildable area on the property’s steep slopes to 196 feet. With such a small percentage of the three-acre lot classified […]
Posted inPreservation
Planning Commission recommends Rendon house for historic zoning over owner’s wishes
The Planning Commission took another step Jan. 14 to pave the way for historic zoning for the home of the late Edward Rendon Sr. despite continued opposition from one of Rendon’s 16 heirs. With a vote in favor of historic zoning, the case for 1705 Haskell St. will go before Council with supermajority recommendations from […]
Posted inCity Hall
BoA discusses how many postponements are too many
Postponement requests are available to applicants, neighbors and city staff who require extra time to organize their cases for the Board of Adjustment. However, there are certain cases that come before the board where a postponement request is a red flag. Board Liaison Elaine Ramirez with the Development Services Department brought a discussion about postponement […]
Posted inZoning
Campground case returns 18 months after initial rezoning denial
A rezoning case to transform a 12-acre plot next to the Colorado River into a community-centric campground returned to the Zoning and Platting Commission on Jan. 7. The case failed to receive Council’s approval in 2018. Following the 18-month waiting period required to refile a rezoning request, the Zimmerman brothers came back before ZAP with a […]
Posted inZoning
Despite public opposition, plan for directing school traffic gains ZAP approval
Many factors go into the planning of schools, and chief among them is safety. Concern over whether a children’s educational facility belonged in an industrial park spurred a discussion about the appropriate zoning choice for the site at the Jan. 7 meeting of the Zoning and Platting Commission. Dave Anderson from the Drenner Group told […]
Posted inPolice
APD survey shows police officers are proud but frustrated
As the Public Safety Commission came back to a new year on Jan. 6, members began with a lengthy discussion about the state of the Austin police force. After receiving a presentation from the department highlighting the personal, professional and emotional barriers officers face, the commissioners began by asking how APD is addressing the concerns […]