Stories by Syeda Hasan
Austin won't reopen its housing voucher waitlist anytime soon
The federal housing choice voucher program, which used to be called Section 8, is aimed at helping low-income families meet their housing costs. Here in Austin, it’s one way the city is trying to meet the growing demand for deeply…
Housing • By Syeda Hasan • May 15, 2017
Council Member Flannigan seeks to revise Austin's drainage fee system
For much of her life as a homeowner, Joan Reames never noticed the drainage charge on her monthly utility bill. That was until the city revised the system in 2015. Reames said the monthly fee for her condo complex suddenly…
City Council • By Syeda Hasan • May 11, 2017
Austin's Visitor Impact Task Force nearing deadline to report to City Council
For the past several months, Austin’s Visitor Impact Task Force has been exploring new uses for the millions of tax dollars brought in by the city’s hotels. The group also has to contend with a host of state and local…
Austin • By Syeda Hasan • May 10, 2017
Judge orders Cross Creek Apartment complex to make repairs
For years, residents of the Cross Creek Apartments in North Austin have been complaining about poor living conditions. They say they continue to pay rent while living with broken windows, poor security and a lack of hot water, among other…
Housing • By Syeda Hasan • Apr 28, 2017
Council members consider ways to refine Strategic Housing Plan
In recent weeks, the release of Austin’s first-ever strategic housing plan has faced scrutiny as well as garnered support at public meetings. The plan aims to address the city’s growing affordability crisis by setting goals for new housing production. Tomorrow,…
Housing • By Syeda Hasan • Apr 12, 2017
Austin launches initiative to redesign Congress Avenue
For Austin visitors, it’s hard to beat the iconic view of the Texas Capitol from Congress Avenue. But for those who live and work along the corridor, the streetscape could use some improvements. On a Friday afternoon, about a dozen…
Planning • By Syeda Hasan • Apr 10, 2017
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Austin plan sets goals for more affordable housing. But where should it go?
City Council is set to vote this week on whether to adopt the city’s first-ever housing plan. The plan aims to address Austin’s growing affordability crisis by setting goals for new housing production. But apart from encouraging more affordable housing,…
Housing • By Syeda Hasan • Apr 3, 2017
Austin parks groups propose new uses for hotel tax funds
Several groups made their cases for funding last night at a meeting of the Visitors Impact Task Force. The board is charged with exploring new uses for hotel tax revenue before a decision by City Council. Board members heard from…
Austin • By Syeda Hasan • Mar 29, 2017
Rainey Street traffic study calls for less parking, more pedestrian crossings
Last year, residents of the Rainey Street neighborhood struck a deal with a developer looking to build new condos in the area. They agreed to conduct a comprehensive traffic study, determining what the most pressing transportation needs are and how…
Zoning • By Syeda Hasan • Mar 17, 2017
Community organizers want wider multilingual outreach on CodeNEXT
The city of Austin is in the process of adopting a new land development code that will govern everything from parking requirements to how tall buildings can be. As the city begins rolling out the proposal, some think the information…
Land Development Code • By Syeda Hasan • Mar 10, 2017
As rents push artists out, city seeks alternative space in houses of worship
In recent years, Austin’s creative community has been feeling the brunt of the city’s affordability crisis. As rents continue to rise, many artists have moved away, and studios and galleries have closed their doors. Now, the city is looking to…
Music & Entertainment • By Syeda Hasan • Mar 6, 2017
City task force weighs new uses for hotel occupancy tax
With more tourists coming to Austin each year, the city’s hotels are generating more and more revenue. Some of that funding is set aside to support Austin’s tourism industry, and as the number of guests and hotels grow, so does…
