Stories by Kara Nuzback
Ethics commission balks, files no charges against former commissioner
The Austin Ethics Review Commission will take no action against former Zero Waste Advisory Commission member Daniela Ochoa Gonzalez for alleged ethics violations. City Auditor Kenneth Mory released an April 18 report accusing Ochoa Gonzalez of violating conflict of…
Local Politics • By Kara Nuzback • Apr 30, 2014
Commission OKs recycling, composting plan for mobile food trucks
A city panel is working to encourage recycling and composting among Austin’s myriad mobile food trucks. The Zero Waste Advisory Commission voted unanimously Wednesday to recommend amending city code to allow food trucks to use unattached trash receptacles, a…
Environment • By Kara Nuzback • Apr 14, 2014
Building and Standards Commission eases sanction for code violations
An Austin homeowner facing a glut of building code violations says his house was not inspected before he bought it in 2005, during the national housing bubble. Austin’s Building and Standards Commission voted unanimously last week to give homeowner…
Development • By Kara Nuzback • Mar 31, 2014
Split Council rejects high-dollar condos in low-income neighborhood
In a 4-3 vote, the Austin City Council narrowly denied a zoning change to allow for condos on a plot of land at 600 Kemp St., a small road that runs perpendicular to Montopolis Drive. Council Members Laura Morrison,…
Development • By Kara Nuzback • Mar 24, 2014
Critics say city’s new Urban Forest Plan lacks substance
Last week, the Austin City Council unanimously approved a resolution adopting the Austin Urban Forest Plan: A Master Plan for Public Properties. However, critics say it falls short of a comprehensive plan, addressing only public property, which accounts for just…
Environment • By Kara Nuzback • Mar 11, 2014
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Standards Commission imposes hefty fine for neglected house
Austin’s Code Compliance Department is making efforts to resolve outstanding cases involving dilapidated homes, but some members of the city’s Building and Standards Commission say the department’s fines are too high, and the city should take more responsibility for homes…
Development • By Kara Nuzback • Mar 4, 2014
Council OKs extension of Pressler Street through Lamar Beach
Despite safety concerns expressed by neighborhood residents, the City Council unanimously approved a resolution Thursday to extend Pressler Street by 980 feet, through Lamar Beach parkland. The proposed extension would create a bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly alternative route from the Old…
Development • By Kara Nuzback • Mar 3, 2014
Design Commission mandates right of way upgrade for condo project
A developer planning a 163-unit condominium project downtown near Shoal Creek is finding that flood plain requirements are making it difficult to comply with the city’s urban design guidelines. The Austin Design Commission voted unanimously Monday to require developer…
