TipSheet: Travis County, 10.31.17

The Travis County Commissioners Court meets at 9 a.m. Tuesday. In the interest of space, we’ve decided not to post the entire agenda here. The County Clerk’s office hosts a copy at its website.

1. Receive comments regarding a resolution of no objection for Boyce Parmer Apartment Homes, to be located at the intersection of Boyce Lane and East Parmer Lane, Austin, TX 78754. (Action Item 9) (Commissioner Travillion)

9. Consider and take appropriate action on a resolution of no objection for Boyce Parmer Apartment Homes, to be located at the intersection of Boyce Lane and East Parmer Lane, Austin, TX 78754. (Public Hearing 1) (Commissioner Travillion)

Monitor’s Take: Another 280-unit affordable housing development on the suburban fringes? It seems likely. County staff has decided that this project is A-OK. According to a memo attached to the agenda, “The site is located in the unincorporated area near Manor, and in a Moderate to Very High Opportunity Area. It was located in an impacted area per the (county’s Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice), but has transitioned out of an impacted area per the updated HUD’s Low to Moderate Income Statistical Data (LMISD).”

8. Consider and take appropriate action regarding the following interlocal agreements between Travis County and the City of Austin for the enrichment and training of pets awaiting adoption with the Austin Animal Center: a. Interlocal agreement for basic pet enrichment and training of canines at the Travis County Correctional Complex b. Interlocal agreement for kitten fostering at the Travis County Correctional Complex (County Judge Eckhardt)

Monitor’s Take: Kittens for convicts! This item would expand a program under which inmates at the Travis County Correctional Complex – aka jail – can get a crack at training both dogs and cats from the Austin Animal Center. This is objectively a good thing, right?

12. Consider and take appropriate action on: a. Adjourning the public hearing opened on January 24, 2017, on the proposed Bella Fortuna Public Improvement District (PID) b. Advisability of creating the Bella Fortuna PID (Commissioner Gómez)

Monitor’s Take: After a minor delay, the court is positioned to close the public hearing on this proposed PID in the southeastern section of the county. In addition to 476 brand-new single-family homes, the developer is offering to contribute to the lengthening of Pleasant Valley Road as well as add new park space.

17. Set a public hearing on Tuesday, December 5, 2017, to receive comments regarding a proposed “sidewalk payment in lieu” code amendment to Travis County Code Chapter 82, Travis County Development Regulations, and Title 30, Austin/Travis County Subdivision Regulations. (Commissioner Travillion & Shea)

Monitor’s Take: Should the county require every new development to include sidewalks? Or should it allow builders the option to pay into a fund that could create pedestrian infrastructure where it’s already lacking? Say, that’s something you can come weigh in on if this public hearing is approved!