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Development
New cultural districts could thrive with EDD's planned framework
A pair of long-gestating city initiatives have entertainment and arts proponents eyeing the many new areas around the city that could become cultural districts in the next handful of years. Once enacted, the combination of economic incentives, infrastructure support and…
Planning • By Chad Swiatecki • Jan 23, 2024
Valid petitions fail to sway Council in two zoning cases
Last week, City Council approved historic zoning on first reading for a small Folk Victorian house in East Austin over the objection of the owner of the property at 1100 E. Second St. The Planning Commission approved recommending historic zoning…
Zoning • By Jo Clifton • Jan 23, 2024
Council OKs variance to build home in the floodplain
After hearing from the city’s floodplain administrator and the owner of an east side property, City Council unanimously approved two variances to the city’s floodplain regulations on Thursday. Their action will allow property owner Luc Pham to build a house…
Planning • By Jo Clifton • Jan 22, 2024
City Council approves 2024 Heritage Preservation Grants
On Thursday, City Council approved a list of Heritage Preservation Grants funded by $3.59 million in Hotel Occupancy Tax dollars. The 23 applicants will receive anywhere from $15,000 to $250,000 to fund their proposals, which range from concrete repair projects…
Preservation • By Kali Bramble • Jan 19, 2024
Historic Black church slated for renovation as duplex
As St. Annie African Methodist Episcopal Church prepares to relocate to new digs farther north, the iconic white building that served as its home for over a century is poised to start a new life as a residential duplex. The…
Preservation • By Kali Bramble • Jan 16, 2024
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Short-term rentals come under Tourism Commission scrutiny, with Council action expected this year
Members of the Tourism Commission signaled this week that they intend to ask City Council to pursue new policies covering the short-term rental industry and the proliferation across the city of residences acting as de facto hotels. At Wednesday’s meeting,…
Housing • By Chad Swiatecki • Jan 12, 2024
Disability committee targets accessible housing needs for next city budget
Members of the city’s disability committee want to focus requests for next year’s budget on addressing the shortage of housing affordable for those who receive federal or state disability assistance, which typically falls short of the local threshold for affordable…
Housing • By Chad Swiatecki • Jan 11, 2024
Foundation Communities seeks emergency funds and eyes coming apartment surge
Affordable housing nonprofit Foundation Communities has put out the call to raise an additional $50,000 to help cover emergency needs for low-income residents at risk of losing their homes. The group, which provides a number of support services to help…
Housing • By Chad Swiatecki • Jan 9, 2024
City seeing mixed results halfway through Strategic Housing Blueprint
The city is seeing mixed results halfway through the Austin Strategic Housing Blueprint adopted by City Council in 2017. After five years, the city is on track to meet goals aimed at preserving affordable housing and building new housing in…
Housing • By Nina Hernandez • Jan 8, 2024
Council OKs Affordability Unlocked plan despite neighbors' objections
City Council last week approved a zoning change and neighborhood plan amendment that will allow a developer to build a five-story apartment complex just west of the intersection of South First Street and Eberhart Lane. The vote was 9-0, with…
Zoning • By Jo Clifton • Dec 19, 2023
Council seeks financial assistance for homeowners looking to add units to properties
City Council intends to help homeowners at risk of displacement with a program that will provide down payment assistance to those wishing to add more residential units to their properties. At last Thursday’s meeting, Council approved a resolution directing the…