Stories by Laurel Chesky
Lakeside residents make waves as board backs bulkhead ordinance
To the dismay of some Lake Austin residents, new regulations for building bulkheads on the shoreline sailed through the Austin Parks and Recreation Board last week. The board voted 6-0 to recommend approval of a proposed ordinance that changes the…
Uncategorized • By Laurel Chesky • Aug 30, 2010
North Austin Community Recreation Center moves forward
A long-awaited recreation center planned for north Austin moved one step closer to reality last week. On Thursday, City Council voted unanimously to approve a plan for the North Austin Community Recreation Center, at 1000 West Rundberg Lane. In addition…
Uncategorized • By Laurel Chesky • Aug 4, 2010
Trail completion plan moves forward despite uncertain funding
With no guarantees that voters will pay for it, the City of Austin nevertheless indicated it was moving forward Tuesday with plans for a hike-and-bike trail looping Lady Bird Lake. A proposed boardwalk built over the water would complete the…
Uncategorized • By Laurel Chesky • Jun 24, 2010
Labor intensive fountain-turned-splash pad to reopen June 15
If all goes well, the popular Liz Carpenter Fountain will reopen in three weeks. But it will be closed two days per week and may need 40 to 50 labor hours per week in maintenance. “We plan to reopen…
Uncategorized • By Laurel Chesky • May 26, 2010
Off-leash policy moves forward, paving way for new dog parks
A draft policy to guide the establishment and use of off-leash dog areas in Austin could be ready by early next month. The proposed policy, being drafted by the city’s Off Leash Area Advisory Committee (OLAAC), will establish criteria for…
Uncategorized • By Laurel Chesky • May 3, 2010
Bull Creek restoration sitting pretty while Turkey Creek project plays dead
The Bull Creek District Park restoration project will likely meet its April 2 deadline. Meanwhile, a plan to improve the Turkey Creek Trail in Emma Long Metropolitan Park has been temporarily shelved. Those messages were delivered Tuesday night to the…
Uncategorized • By Laurel Chesky • Mar 31, 2010
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Mueller substation’s fate could be decided this month
Austin Energy’s 10-year journey to find a home for the Mueller Substation in East Austin may finally be approaching the 18th green. The utility company’s proposal to build the power substation on a city-owned golf course is scheduled for a…
Uncategorized • By Laurel Chesky • Mar 4, 2010
Neighbors nix Ney landscaping plan
History, like art, often resides in the eye of the beholder. The question of whose idea of history should guide the restoration of a treasured Austin yard has fueled a growing controversy at the Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD).…
Uncategorized • By Laurel Chesky • Feb 18, 2010
City Council to vote on hotel project that split Planning Commission
On Thursday, the Austin City Council is scheduled to discuss the fate of a new hotel proposed for downtown. Unfortunately, council members will not have the benefit of a Planning Commission recommendation – but not for lack of trying on…
Uncategorized • By Laurel Chesky • Dec 7, 2009
Off-leash pooch advocates collared during Bull Creek closing
While it’s closed for restoration, Bull Creek District Park will not be replaced with another temporary off-leash dog park in the area. That blow was dealt to off-leash dog park advocates at a community forum last week. The forum, held…
Uncategorized • By Laurel Chesky • Nov 30, 2009
Quarries question aquifer district’s authority to prohibit water use
In September, the Barton Springs-Edwards Aquifer Conservation District passed a set of new regulations designed to protect the aquifer during times of drought. Those rules aren’t sitting well with at least one of the district’s constituents, who has indicated that…
Uncategorized • By Laurel Chesky • Nov 23, 2009
City lease with nonprofit ARC of Capital Area is deemed illegal
When representatives of an Austin non-profit organization approached their landlord to renew their lease, they got a big shock. According to their landlord’s lawyers, the lease is illegal. The ARC of the Capital Area, a nonprofit that provides services…
