Stories by Jessi Devenyns
Planning Commission unmoved to recommend preservation for East Austin grocery store
After a unanimous recommendation from the Historic Landmark Commission to preserve the 1922-era corner grocery at 220 Comal St., the momentum behind preserving the East Austin structure slowed at the Planning Commission. “I’m getting the sense that the owner can…
Preservation • By Jessi Devenyns • Aug 16, 2019
Planning commissioners say South Lamar development will make Austin a 'real city'
To bring more commercial and multifamily space to the South Lamar Corridor, Endeavor Real Estate Group, the owner of a 1.8-acre lot on the corner of South Lamar Boulevard and Bluebonnet Lane, requested a zoning change at the Aug. 13…
Zoning • By Jessi Devenyns • Aug 15, 2019
Dock variance fails for a second time at the Board of Adjustment
After the Board of Adjustment denied a variance request to extend the width of a dock into the interior setback of a Lake Austin lot and reduce the interior setback to 0 feet, the homeowners returned in August for a…
Land Development Code • By Jessi Devenyns • Aug 14, 2019
City continues to work toward Vision Zero goals
As of this past weekend, there have been 48 traffic fatalities in Austin since the beginning of the year. The city, according to an ambitious plan passed three years ago, would like to bring the number of annual traffic deaths…
Public Safety • By Jessi Devenyns • Aug 13, 2019
City outlines displacement mitigation strategy based on People’s Plan
Following a Council directive last year to analyze the recommendations put forth in the People’s Plan, city staffers from a variety of departments have released a Displacement Mitigation Strategy report detailing an approach to contend with gentrification and displacement in…
Austin • By Jessi Devenyns • Aug 12, 2019
AFD under fire for handling of sexual harassment claim despite policy updates
After Austin Fire Department Lieutenant James Baker pleaded guilty to hiding a camera and filming firefighter Kelly Gall in the fire station restroom, AFD revised its harassment policies and implemented the Electronic and Anonymous Reporting System. EARS is intended to…
Fire • By Jessi Devenyns • Aug 9, 2019
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Public Safety Commission recommends increased funding for mental health first responder program
The Austin Police Department is working to revamp its tactics when handling calls related to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. Fulfilling that goal starts with training officers so they are equipped to help in these tense situations. Public Safety…
Police • By Jessi Devenyns • Aug 8, 2019
To save a sculpture, parks department gives Chicano artist an ultimatum
For decades, Big Rock – or Chicano Rock, as it is now called – has stood on the southeast corner of Waterloo Park. Created by artist David Santos and members of LUCHA (League of United Chicano Artists) in 1989, the…
Parks • By Jessi Devenyns • Aug 6, 2019
HLC recommends design in Old West Austin historic district, sidesteps opposition's concerns
In Austin, commissions are divided based on their areas of expertise and are required to remain within their purview when addressing the merits of a case. This question of jurisdiction was raised at the July 22 meeting of the Historic…
Preservation • By Jessi Devenyns • Aug 1, 2019
Animal advocates call for redo of animal services officer hiring process
With a nearly $14 million budget and 15,843 animals coming through its doors last year, the Austin Animal Center has worked hard to achieve the title of the nation’s largest “no-kill” shelter. However, animal advocates are worried that the finalist…
City Hall • By Jessi Devenyns • Jul 31, 2019
Historic zoning for childhood home of AISD's first two Hispanic teachers recommended
In a unanimous vote, the Historic Landmark Commission is sending a 100-year-old house that was the home of the Austin Independent School District’s first Hispanic teachers to City Council with a recommendation for historic zoning. When photos failed to depict…
Preservation • By Jessi Devenyns • Jul 30, 2019
Historic zoning moves forward for 'godfather' of A-frame religious architecture in Austin
Midcentury A-frame churches may be a dime a dozen in Austin, but there is one in particular that caused the now-familiar style to proliferate. The Prince of Peace Church at 1711 E. Oltorf St. is the reason “that form became…
