Stories by Syeda Hasan
High-rises to fill downtown Austin's few remaining empty blocks
It’s hard to come by vacant land in downtown Austin these days, and the few empty blocks that remain are quickly being scooped up by developers. One of the area’s latest projects is at 308 Guadalupe Street. Earlier this month,…
Development • By Syeda Hasan • Jul 25, 2017
Labor shortages, construction costs make it tough to build affordable homes in Austin
The rising cost of construction has made it harder to build affordable homes in Central Austin, housing analysts said after the Home Builders Association of Greater Austin released its midyear housing forecast Thursday. Researchers expressed general optimism about the growth…
Housing • By Syeda Hasan • Jul 21, 2017
Lawmakers to tackle local construction regulations during special session
Local control was a recurring theme during the 85th Texas Legislative session, and many of those policy debates will continue during the upcoming special session. When Gov. Greg Abbott announced the 20 items that will be taken up by lawmakers,…
Development • By Syeda Hasan • Jul 17, 2017
For some Austin residents, CodeNEXT spurs fears of gentrification
When we talk about gentrification in Austin, the conversation tends to center around rapid redevelopment on the city’s east side. But residents of other neighborhoods near the city center have their eyes on the changes that Austin’s new land development…
Land Development Code • By Syeda Hasan • Jul 7, 2017
Austin architects say CodeNEXT limits opportunity for 'missing middle' housing
As Austin’s new land development code, known as CodeNEXT, is being written, city staff and the private sector are working to understand how it will shape future development. Last month, members of the Austin Chapter of the American Institute of…
Land Development Code • By Syeda Hasan • Jun 28, 2017
Austin unveils new guide for the future of street design
Austin is in the process of adopting several plans that will guide the future of development and transportation in the region. Yesterday, the city revealed a new guide for the future of street design. It takes into account some key…
Roads • By Syeda Hasan • Jun 21, 2017
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Study could shed more light on housing discrimination in Central Texas
The federal Fair Housing Act aims to protect people from discrimination when renting, buying or financing a home. Despite those protections, the reality is that housing discrimination persists in many cities, and today City Council will consider a review of…
Housing • By Syeda Hasan • Jun 15, 2017
Council to consider tool that would bring permanently affordable housing to East Austin
Today, City Council is set to consider implementing a tool that would bring more affordable housing units to the east side. It’s called a community land trust, and it could create homes that remain affordable for decades to come. If…
Housing • By Syeda Hasan • Jun 8, 2017
Report finds most traffic on Rainey Street stems from surrounding roadways
Traffic congestion has long been a concern for people who live and work along Rainey Street. Last year, neighbors struck a deal with a developer looking to build new condos in the area. They agreed to conduct a comprehensive traffic…
Planning • By Syeda Hasan • Jun 5, 2017
In Hyde Park, residents question how CodeNEXT will be implemented
Since the city released its first draft of a new land development code earlier this year, residents and city leaders have been working to understand how it will shape Austin neighborhoods. In Hyde Park, residents have adopted a tool that…
Land Development Code • By Syeda Hasan • May 23, 2017
Council considers providing rental assistance to Austin arts groups
Today, City Council is set to consider a plan to provide rental assistance to arts organizations. That’s after Mayor Steve Adler made a series of proposals aimed at strengthening the city’s music scene last year. For many Austin artists, some…
City Council • By Syeda Hasan • May 18, 2017
City, state officials call for legal action against 'sanctuary cities' law
Government officials and community activists from across the state gathered outside the Texas Capitol on Tuesday to voice support for taking legal action to stop the so-called “sanctuary cities” law. Senate Bill 4, which goes into effect September 1, allows…
